Annanya Bhuyan
Annanya Bhuyan is the elder of Sulakshana B Bhuyan. She holds a Master's degree in Sustainable Development Practice from TERI, Delhi and she is pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Delhi University in the department of Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC). She has experience with organizations like Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission, Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship and Quality Council of India (QCI) as a part of her professional journey. She is a founder of a non profit organisation called AWF based in Guwahati, Assam with focus on development through livelihood, art and culture. She is also filmmaker with awards received in the genre of documentary.
"Looking at the importance of promoting and incorporating social entrepreneurship into the economy, I think local businesses should work extensively towards community innovation, engagement and development. Local livelihood, art and culture enhancement is possible only when the vision of a producer/manufacturer unites with the vision of its promotors, marketers and retailers. Here, we cannot ignore the crucial role that technology can play in serving a social cause. So, in a time which only demands more from you, it is about how you can ride your ideas with strategic execution and your believe in them", as narrated by Annanya.
According to Annanya, as the popularity of Traditional Assamese jewellery grew with Zangfai as the face in the state and also across India and few international countries, the demand has increased many folds over the years. Therefore, she believes that Zangfai needs to expand its market, target population and break stereotypes to create contemporary yet traditional outlook amongst the ever-loving, ever-growing jewellery enthusiasts. But most importantly, the indigenous art of Assamese Jewellery making needs to continue and therefore, Annanya religiously believes that it is their responsibility to meet the expectations and unsaid aspirations of the local jewellery artisans of Assam.
Annanya wants to continue the legacy of Zangfai which is about enriching and uplifting the lives of artisans of traditional Assamese jewellery by promoting and protecting the socio-cultural and economic position of gold jewellery of Assam with indicators like Geographical Indicator (GI) which was first initiated by her mother in 2017. Her doctoral thesis is on Assamese Jewellery and therefore she wants to bridge the gap of theoretical and practical knowledge to safeguard the ancient craftsmanship of Assamese Jewellery.
But most importantly, the indigenous art of Assamese Jewellery making needs to continue and therefore, Annanya religiously believes that it is their responsibility to meet the expectations and unsaid aspirations of the local jewellery artisans of Assam.
“The Dying art of Assamese Traditional Jewellery was revived and it regained the light that it deserved because of my Mother. So many generations (old and new) of Assamese artisans can see this art form as a sustained source of livelihood, all because of my mother. Our working unit considers Zangfai as their security and that kind of trust is exemplary and cannot be left behind.”
Annanya wants to continue the legacy of Zangfai which is about enriching and uplifting the lives of artisans of traditional Assamese jewellery, together with promoting and preserving the socio-cultural position of gold jewellery of Assam.