Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh Honours India’s Handloom Weaving Excellence on 11th National Handloom Day
Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh inaugurated the 11th National Handloom Day and conferred prestigious Handloom Awards today at New Delhi. Minister of State of External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita, Minister of state for consumer affairs, food and Public distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut, Secretary Textiles Neelam Shami Rao, Additional Secretary, Textiles Rohit Kansal, DC Handlooms Dr. M Beena, Members of Parliament from different constituencies and senior officials from ministry graced the event. Foreign buyers, eminent personalities, exporters and around 650 weavers all across the country attended the function. The highlight of the celebration was the conferring of the prestigious Sant Kabir and National Handloom Awards to 24 outstanding master weavers, including six women and one Divyang artisan, in recognition of their contributions to the preservation, innovation, and excellence in India’s weaving traditions.
While addressing the event Union Minister, Giriraj Singh, highlighted the growing importance of the textile sector in India’s economic landscape, stating that it has now emerged as the second-largest employment-generating sector in the country and Union minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to all National Handloom award winners. Reiterating the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Minister underscored the need to promote entrepreneurship in the handloom sector, leveraging schemes such as the Mudra Yojana to empower weavers and small-scale entrepreneurs. He stressed on product diversification, promotion of natural fibres like ramie and linen, and support for second-generation handloom entrepreneurs, especially through the 797 handloom clusters across the country
Union Minister also stated that the Government is working towards protecting indigenous designs through cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Block chain, ensuring the intellectual property rights of Indian weavers and designers are safeguarded. Giriraj Singh urged the young generation to actively engage with the handloom industry, and called upon designers and weavers to collaborate in creating contemporary handloom products that appeal to youth across the country. Union Minister appealed to citizens to wear handloom at least once a week, supporting the rich tradition of Indian craftsmanship.
Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita stated that this National Handloom Day stands as tribute to Swadeshi movement and handwoven fabrics became a symbol of resistance, pride and identity. Prime Minister’s vision for vocal for local and local for global is becoming a living reality and under the guidance of Union minister Giriraj Singh, the ministry of textiles ushering the new era of growth and innovation in handloom sector he added. Pabitra Margherita highlighted initiatives like the Handloom Mark and India Handloom Brand which are transforming Indian handloom fabrics into global symbols of sustainability.
After the event the dignitaries were taken on a curated walkthrough of award-winning handloom exhibits, showcasing the diverse artistry and regional richness of Indian weaving.
The celebration also featured:
- The unveiling of a Coffee Table Book on handloom excellence by NIFT Mumbai
- An exclusive exhibition of award-winning handloom products
- A facilitation desk on handloom schemes
- A fashion show titled “Vastra Veda – The Handloom Heritage of India”
- The launch of specially curated films on Handlooms
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