National Handloom Day 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (August 7) participated in events to commemorate National Handloom Day at Pragati Maidan's Bharat Mandapam. During the event, the Prime Minister stated that people who wore Khadi were looked upon as having an inferiority complex and that after independence, little emphasis was placed on strengthening the cloth industry (Khadi), which had been so strong in the previous century, and that it was left to die. He further said that his government has been working to change this mindset since 2014.
"After independence, much importance was not given to strengthening the cloth industry (Khadi), which was so strong during the last century...the situation was that it was left to die...people who wore Khadi were looked upon with inferiority complex...", PM Modi can be heard saying in a video posted by news agency ANI. "Since 2014, our government has been working on changing this mindset," he continued.
"Phenomenal work has been done in the previous years for the weavers of India and the country's handloom sector," Prime Minister Modi said, according to news agency PTI.
This day is observed in India to honour the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of the country's handloom weavers.
"The demand for Khadi clothes is increasing in India and abroad. In the last nine years, the handloom business turnover has increased from around Rs 30,000 crore to over Rs 1,30,000 crore," said PM Modi while addressing the event.
"In the past nine years the surplus amount this sector has generated has benefitted the poor craftsmen, artisans and handloom workers of the country," he added.
Every year, this day is celebrated to raise public awareness of the handloom sector and its contribution to India's socioeconomic progress. The 9th National Handloom Day is being celebrated this year.
PM Modi Launches 'Bharatiya Vastra Evam Shilp Kosh' e-Portal:
During the programme, PM Modi also launched the e-portal of 'Bharatiya Vastra Evam Shilp Kosh', a Textiles and Crafts Repository developed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), over 3,000 handloom and khadi weavers, artisans, and stakeholders from the textile and MSME sectors attended the event.
The initiative will bring together handloom clusters across India, NIFT campuses, Weaver Service Centres, Indian Institute of Handloom Technology campuses, National Handloom Development Corporation, Handloom Export Promotion Council, KVIC institutions and various State Handloom Departments, the statement said.
The government established National Handloom Day, with the first celebration taking place on August 7, 2015.
The date was chosen as an ode to the Swadeshi Movement, which began on August 7, 1905, and promoted indigenous industries, particularly handloom weavers.
This day is significant in raising awareness about the importance of the handloom-weaving community and highlighting the sector's contribution to our country's socioeconomic development. The handloom industry is both a symbol of the nation's illustrious cultural heritage and a significant source of revenue for the country.
Given that women account for more than 70% of handloom weavers and related employees, the industry is critical for women's empowerment. On this day, the community of handloom weavers is recognised, and their contribution to the nation's socioeconomic advancement is emphasised. It is emphasised that we are committed to preserving our handloom legacy and providing more opportunities for handloom weavers and employees.