New Delhi – Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh inaugurated the 11th National Handloom Day in a grand ceremony held in New Delhi, honouring 24 exceptional handloom artisans with the prestigious Sant Kabir and National Handloom Awards. The celebration marked a tribute to India’s rich weaving legacy and the contributions of artisans in preserving and innovating handloom traditions.
Empowering India’s Weavers: Awards and Accolades
Among the 24 awardees were six women and one Divyang artisan, celebrated for their outstanding mastery, innovation, and service to Indian handloom. The event witnessed participation from around 650 weavers across India, along with foreign buyers, exporters, and dignitaries.
Dignitaries present included:
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Minister of State for Textiles and External Affairs Shri Pabitra Margherita
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Minister of State for Consumer Affairs Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya
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Member of Parliament Smt. Kangana Ranaut
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Textiles Secretary Smt. Neelam Shami Rao
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Additional Secretary Shri Rohit Kansal
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DC Handlooms Dr. M. Beena
Textiles: A Pillar of Employment and Empowerment
In his address, Shri Giriraj Singh emphasized the textile sector’s rising role in India’s economy, highlighting it as the second-largest employment-generating sector in the country. He congratulated the award winners and reiterated the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat, urging increased entrepreneurship in handloom, supported by schemes like Mudra Yojana.
The Minister also called for:
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Greater product diversification
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Promotion of natural fibres like ramie and linen
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Support for second-generation entrepreneurs through the 797 handloom clusters
Fusing Tradition with Innovation
Shri Giriraj Singh announced that the Ministry is leveraging AI and blockchain to protect indigenous designs and safeguard the IPR of weavers. He urged young designers and artisans to collaborate and create contemporary handloom products that resonate with India’s youth.
“Let us wear handloom at least once a week,” he appealed, calling for citizen participation in preserving India’s cultural heritage.
A Tribute to the Swadeshi Spirit
Minister of State Shri Pabitra Margherita reflected on the historic importance of August 7, marking the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905. He highlighted the transformation of handwoven fabrics into symbols of resistance, pride, and identity, and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to “vocal for local” and “local for global” initiatives under the Prime Minister’s leadership.
He also mentioned key initiatives like:
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Handloom Mark
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India Handloom Brand
These schemes are shaping Indian fabrics into globally recognized emblems of sustainability and heritage.
Celebration Highlights
The event featured:
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Coffee Table Book launch by NIFT Mumbai
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Exclusive Exhibition of award-winning products
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Facilitation Desk on handloom schemes
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A stunning fashion show titled “Vastra Veda – The Handloom Heritage of India”
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Launch of specially curated films on India’s handloom heritage
Dignitaries also enjoyed a curated walkthrough of award-winning handloom exhibits, showcasing India’s regional artistry and diversity.
About National Handloom Day
Celebrated annually on August 7, National Handloom Day marks the Swadeshi Movement’s anniversary and promotes the use of indigenous handwoven textiles. It was first observed in 2015 by PM Narendra Modi in Chennai.
With over 35 lakh artisans, 70% of whom are women, the handloom sector remains a beacon of sustainable livelihoods, women’s empowerment, and eco-friendly production.
Conclusion
The 11th National Handloom Day not only celebrated India’s timeless weaving traditions but also illuminated a path forward—where tradition meets innovation, and handloom becomes the heartbeat of both heritage and the future.
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