Hands that shape clay: DDUCC’s pottery training equips 30 participants

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 20, 2025

With clay in their hands and tradition in their hearts, 30 participants from Wahiajer and across Jaintia Hills completed a seven-day skill-based training on “Application of Indigenous Knowledge in Pottery Making,” organised by the Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Community and Skill Development Center (DDUCC), Wahiajer. The programme, held from July 10 to 17, 2025, aimed to preserve and promote the art of pottery making while empowering community members with practical skills for livelihood.

Hosted in the DDUCC Community Hall—donated by Jaintia Hills Cement Manufacturer’s Association (JHCMA), with seating support from Topcem Cement—the sessions featured hands-on training and interactive demonstrations led by Roilin Pyrtuh, a renowned pottery artisan from Larnai Village. Participants learned essential techniques and gained valuable insights into establishing careers in pottery and meeting market demands with creative designs.

The training concluded with a valedictory function on July 18 at the college premises. NEHU Shillong’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. S. Umdor, attended as chief guest, while Lukas Jat, member of Wahiajer Village, was present as guest of honour. Also in attendance were Principal In-Charge Dr. F. R. Sumer; Latu Nartiang, Branch Manager of Meghalaya Co-operative Apex Bank Ltd., Ummulong Branch; along with other dignitaries, faculty, staff, and students.

In his address, Umdor congratulated DDUCC for initiating such a meaningful programme and encouraged participants to utilise their new skills in expanding tourism and local markets. He stressed the importance of skill-based education in sustaining livelihoods and preserving indigenous knowledge.

Certificates were distributed to all participants. Programme Coordinator Wolnish Rymbai, delivering the vote of thanks, expressed gratitude to resource persons, guests, and attendees. He emphasised DDUCC’s ongoing commitment to equipping youth and communities with real-world skills in line with the National Education Policy 2020.

This initiative marks another step in DDUCC’s efforts to blend tradition with modern livelihood opportunities, ensuring that the ancient art of pottery continues to thrive.