An awareness session on the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag of the Gamusa of Assam was organised under Humana People to People India’s (HPPI) Project Sashakt at the Office of the Assistant Director, Handloom & Textiles, Chirang. Held in collaboration with the Department of Handloom & Textiles on 9 October 2025, the session was part of the ongoing Product Quality Improvement Training and aimed to educate members of cooperative societies on the cultural, economic, and legal significance of the GI tag for the Gamusa — a symbol of Assam’s rich heritage. 

A total of 55 participants from eight cooperative societies in Chirang district attended the session. Kulajit Borah (Capacity Building & Training Specialist, HPPI) opened the event with a welcome note and shared insights into Project Sashakt, which is strengthening 25 CSOs across Kamrup, Chirang, and Dhubri, empowering over 2,500 women artisans. Mizanur Rahman (Deputy Director, Handloom & Textiles, Guwahati) delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance and benefits of the GI tag, the Handloom Mark, and their roles in product authentication, as well as relevant Government schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, and the Handloom Mudra Loan. 

The dignitaries present at the event included Nurul Islam (Deputy Director, Chirang), Premnath Basumatary (Inspector, H&T, Chirang), Hemanta Barman (Assistant Director, Sericulture, Chirang), and Animesh Bandyopadhyay (Project Manager, HPPI), who shared valuable insights on preserving traditional crafts and accessing institutional support. As a mark of cultural pride and respect, the participating women artisans honoured the dignitaries with the traditional Gamusa. 

The session enhanced awareness among women artisans about the GI tag and its economic potential, strengthened collaboration between government departments and grassroots cooperatives, encouraged artisans to seek formal recognition, benefits, and protections, and reaffirmed the Gamusa’s role as a symbol of identity and pride in Assam. 

The event concluded with refreshments and a collective commitment to continue supporting Assam’s artisan communities through capacity-building, policy linkages, and cultural preservation. Project Sashakt is supported by the European Union (EU) and implemented by HPPI.