Mizoram Governor Graces Tlangro : The Mizoram Silk Runway Event In Aizawl

Aizawl, March 24, 2026: Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd), graced the grand fashion show titled “Tlangro: The Mizoram Silk Runway” on Tuesday evening at Aijal Club Park in Aizawl. The event, jointly organised by the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, the Sericulture Department, Government of Mizoram and the National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC), aimed to showcase Mizoram’s rich silk heritage while celebrating the artistry, craftsmanship, and immense untapped potential of the state’s silk industry.

The First Lady, Mrs Bharti Singh, also attended the programme. Other dignitaries present included Chief Secretary Mr. Khilli Ram Meena and Dr. Naresh Babu N, Joint Secretary (Technical) & CEO of the Silk Mark Organisation of India (SMOI), Central Silk Board, who attended as Guests of Honour.

In his address, Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh described sericulture as a sector with huge economic potential that remains largely untapped. He highlighted that Mizoram is capable of producing all four major varieties of silk – mulberry, eri, muga, and oak tasar – and has the natural advantages to emerge as the “Capital of All Kinds of Silk” in the country. He noted that the state’s climate and environment are highly suitable for silkworm rearing. With growing global demand for eco-friendly and sustainable textiles, Mizoram’s natural fibre, particularly eri silk, holds strong potential to capture significant international markets. The Governor emphasised that sericulture aligns perfectly with rural development and women’s empowerment, serving as an ideal supplementary income source that complements traditional agricultural activities. “Sericulture can become a powerful pathway for economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and sustainable development,” he said, while stressing the need for strong collaboration among farmers, government agencies, researchers, and local communities to transform the sector into a genuine engine of growth for the state.

The Governor outlined several key measures required to advance sericulture, including improving awareness and training programmes, ensuring the availability of quality inputs, adopting modern technology, strengthening infrastructure and market linkages, promoting research and development, encouraging greater youth participation, and ensuring effective government support and policy implementation. He also called for sustainability to remain at the core through environmentally friendly practices. Referring to muga silk – a golden-hued variety traditionally associated with Northeast India –  the Governor expressed confidence that Mizoram could take a leading role in its expansion. He suggested strategies such as increasing host plant cultivation, developing a distinct regional brand identity, enhancing skill development in rearing techniques, promoting value-added products, integrating silk with tourism, leveraging digital platforms and e-commerce, collaborating with fashion designers and the broader industry, and securing robust government and institutional backing.

Earlier, Mrs Florence Zotluangpuii, Secretary of the Sericulture Department, delivered the welcome address and expressed gratitude to all participants and partners. The highlight of the evening was a stunning display of exquisite silk garments and creations by fashion designers Tluangpuii Hmar and Violeta by Sangzuali. Insightful addresses were also delivered by Chief Secretary Pu Khilli Ram Meena and Dr. Naresh Babu N, Joint Secretary (Technical) & CEO of the Silk Mark Organisation of India (SMOI), Central Silk Board. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Lalrinawma, Director of the Sericulture Department.