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At a time when Assam is on one front burning due to violence emanating from bombs and bullets and in the other, weeping from floods then what could be there to really feel good about the state. But a development regarding the states’s economy and a culture which is unique has a reason for us to cheer about and also to be proud of. It’s about the golden  yarn of Assam -- muga silk -- that has been a hit on the fashion ramp, getting the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) equivalent to a patent, from the office of the GI Registry in Chennai.

Muga became first item from Assam to get GI recognition. The GI certificate is given to a chosen product of a definite geaographical territory. Such registaration confers legal protection in India and in the world over, prevents illegal use, increase its export and benefits producers in a given territory.  An item must have a special quality, characteristics or reputation based on climatic or production characteristics unique to a geographical location. Muga silk is popular for its natural golden colour, glossy texture and durability. It is obtained from Antheraea Assamensis, a semi-domesticated multivoltine silkworm in Assam.

On August 24, Assam Science and Technology minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, handed the GI certificate to chief minister Tarun Gogoi on behalf of the Assam Science Technology and Environment Council in Guwahati.  “It is indeed an ocassion to be proud of as muga silk is unique to Assam. The state government will now try to get GI registration for Assam tea, joha rice, kumol rice and traditional Assamese jewellery,” the chief minister said. The patent information centre of the Assam Science Technology & Environment Council (ASTEC), which filed the GI application on behalf of the Assam government, is the registered proprietor of the GI muga silk.

What Tarun Gogoi said very well fits in the situation as we the Assamese people should really feel proud because muga is among 40 Indian products that have been accorded GI registration which includes Mysore silk, Darjeeling tea, Alphonso mango and Basmati rice. When there is destructive tendencies prevaling everywhere across the state, this (GI label) not only brings  in a ray of hope for the people of Assam,  but has provided a window to the world to know about Assam’s unique yarn and the costume and culture it represents. Moreover, this feat is likely to enhance the demand for muga globally and help in the economy of the state to go forward.

Another product of Assam made known to outside Assam and India  by the Britishers is Assam’s tea, which amount to more than 50 per cent of the country’s toatal tea production, is likely to follow suit.. Union minister of state for Commerce, Jairam Ramesh, during his last three visits to Assam this year  had announced that Tea Board had filed an application at the Chennai GI Registry office sometime back seeking GI recognition for Assam tea.

Let us hope that Assam tea too soon get the GI label,  and if the same happens before the proposed International Tea Festival to be held at Guwahati and Jorhat simultanously in November this year than it could be the best New Year Gift for Assam.  If we get two GIs in the same year then it will be the proverbial icing in the cake for us! (EOM)

Holy Kirttana In English:

This was the first translation of the Holy Kirttana into English, rendered by Late Chandra kanta Mahanta, Late Satradhikara of Sri Sri Chipaha Satra, Purana Titabar and published by Asom Sattra Mahasabha in 1990. Late Mahanta also translated 'The Bhakti Ratnavali' by Sri Sri Madhavadeva, considered to be one of the four main scriptures of the Vaisnavas, which was also published by Asom Sattra Mahasabha in 2001 . He took up the work of translation of the kirttana in order to facilitate propagation and publicity of the thoughts of the two great savants of the cult of Vaisnavism, among people outside Assam.