Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorated National Handloom Day on Wednesday, highlighting India’s rich handloom tradition and reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting local artisans.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Greetings on National Handloom Day! We take immense pride in the rich heritage and vibrant tradition of handlooms across our nation. We also cherish the efforts of our artisans and reiterate our commitment to be ‘Vocal for Local.'”
The 10th National Handloom Day celebration, scheduled to take place at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, will feature Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar as the chief guest. The event will bring together over 1,000 weavers from across India, along with government officials, industry representatives, and notable personalities.
Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh and Minister of State for External Affairs & Textiles Pabitra Margherita are set to attend the function, which will include the presentation of the Sant Kabir Awards and National Handloom Awards to outstanding weavers.
The celebration, initiated by the Modi government in 2015, coincides with the anniversary of the Swadeshi Movement’s launch on August 7, 1905. This movement encouraged support for indigenous industries, particularly handloom weaving.
Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also extended greetings and said, “Best wishes on National Handloom Day to all the weavers and business brothers and sisters of the handloom industry who preserve the spirit of self-respect through Swadeshi and keep the Indian culture and traditions alive through their work and craftsmanship! Come, let us all participate in achieving the resolution of self-reliant and prosperous India by adopting handloom and indigenous products.”
The National Handloom Day event aims to raise awareness about the handloom sector’s significance in India’s socio-economic development and cultural identity. As part of the celebrations, Vice President Dhankhar is expected to release an award catalogue and a coffee table book titled “Parampara- Sustainability in Handloom Traditions of India.”
(Inputs from ANI)