Leadership

Our Council

Cultural custodians, legal experts, researchers, weavers, and community leaders working together

NECIK brings together experts from diverse backgrounds — united by a shared commitment to protecting Indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage. The presence and expertise of our members brings legitimacy to our work, and each contributes in ways that feel aligned with their skills and capacity.

Members

Council Members

Cultural custodians, legal experts, researchers, weavers, and community leaders from across Northeast India

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Council Member

Jesmina Zeliang

Nagaland

Founder, Heirloom Naga & Cane Concept

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Council Member

Lalrinngheti Sangsiama

Mizoram

Founder, QuantumQuests and NOA Mobility

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Council Member

Alakananda Das

Assam

Founder & CEO, Looms Ecopreneur Federation

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Council Member

Jumpu Ronya

Arunachal Pradesh

Textile Designer & Heritage Specialist

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Council Member

Rosemary Dzuvichu

Nagaland

Advisor, Naga Mothers' Association

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Council Member

Bornali Sharma

Assam

Proprietor, Iora Weaves & Director, Enhanse Foundation

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Council Member

Rida Gatphoh

Meghalaya

Founder, Dakti Craft

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Council Member

Hannah Khiangte

Mizoram

Founder & Fashion Designer, Hannah Khiangte

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Council Member

Iba Mallai

Nagaland

Founder & Creative Director, Kiniho

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Council Member

Jahnabi Phookan

Assam

Lahe Looms

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Council Member

Patricia Mukhim

Meghalaya

Editor, The Shillong Times

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Council Member

Indu Singh

Manipur

General Secretary, North East Women Entrepreneurs Association (NEWEN)

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Council Member

Jarjum Ete

Arunachal Pradesh

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Council Member

Neitshopeu Thopi

Nagaland

General Manager, NEN Enterprise (Chizami Weaves)

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Council Member

Sriparna Baruah

Assam

Development Professional

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Council Member

Avantika Haflongbar

Assam

Dima Hasao, Assam

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Council Member

Pragya Deb Burman

Tripura

Convenor, INTACH Tripura

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Council Member

Kim Colney

Mizoram

Journalist

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Council Member

Shubra

Assam

Founder, Meira Foods

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Council Member

Dr. Rosaline Varsangzuali

Mizoram

Chairman, Cultural Nexes Society Mizoram

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Council Member

Manjusha Topden

Sikkim

Sikkim Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association (SILTA)

Regional Presence

State Representatives

Connecting NECIK with communities across all eight northeastern states

Arunachal Pradesh

Jarjum Ete, Jumpu Ronya

Assam

Alakananda Das, Jahnabi Phookan, Bornali Sharma, Sriparna Baruah, Avantika Haflongbar, Shubra

Manipur

Indu Singh

Meghalaya

Rida Gatphoh, Patricia Mukhim

Mizoram

Lalrinngheti Sangsiama, Hannah Khiangte, Kim Colney, Dr. Rosaline Varsangzuali

Nagaland

Jesmina Zeliang, Rosemary Dzuvichu, Iba Mallai, Neitshopeu Thopi

Sikkim

Manjusha Topden

Tripura

Pragya Deb Burman

Specialised Teams

Working Groups

Focused teams addressing specific areas of NECIK's mandate

Policy & Legal

Developing legal frameworks, policy recommendations, and engaging with government bodies on legislative matters.

Research & Documentation

Conducting research on textile traditions, documenting motifs and techniques, and building knowledge archives.

Community Engagement

Building relationships with artisan communities, facilitating consultations, and ensuring community voice in NECIK's work.

Communications & Advocacy

Managing public statements, press relations, social media, and public awareness campaigns.