How one man's effort to save Assam's Muga silk

Muga Silk is woven deep into the culture and heritage of Assam. The sturdy silk that is geographically tagged to the North Eastern state has a beautiful natural yellowish golden tint, which also gives it its name. Muga means yellowish in Assamese. However, the silk which is a large part of the cultural fabric of Assam, is on the verge of extinction as very few weavers of Muga Silk are left in the state. But, not all is lost. A youth from Patsaku of Sivasagar, Sailen Rajkhowa, has taken it upon himself to save this Assamese heritage. Rajkhowa has involved over 150 people in reviving the art of making Muga silk. Rajkhowa himself comes from a family of Muga Silk weavers, with both his parents involved in the craft. Even though he doesn't have a clear marketing policy or government help, Rajkhowa is determined to save this glorious culture of Assam. Muga Silk comes from the Assamese silk-moth, which is found only in Assam, making the silk itself rare and very expensive. In fact, it is one of the most expensive silks in the world, making it a prized possession for many.Muga Silk is a big part of celebrations across Assam, with men and women dressing up in the fabric on festivals like Bihu and all auspicious occasions.