NEW DELHI: In celebration of the 9th National Handloom Day (2023) at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the e-portal 'Bhartiya Vastra evam Shilpa Kosh - A Repository of Textiles & Crafts,' developed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology. During the event, he interacted with over 3000 weavers and artisans from all over the country.

The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of India's handloom industry, stating that the blend of traditional and contemporary elements defines the new India. He highlighted the importance of the Swadeshi Movement, not just in boycotting foreign-made textiles, but also as a means to connect the weavers of India with the people.

In his address, he admired the diverse clothing culture of India, ranging from tribal communities in remote areas to people living in different geographical regions. He expressed delight in the launch of 'Bhartiya Vastra evam Shilpa Kosh,' which aims to showcase and preserve this rich clothing heritage.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the positive impact of schemes implemented for the textile sector, promoting social justice and empowering people engaged in handloom work, especially from marginalized communities. He also spoke about the 'One District One Product' scheme, which promotes special products from every district and provides platforms like the upcoming Ekta Mall to promote handicrafts and handloom products from different states.

He praised the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Portal, which allows even the smallest artisans, craftsmen, or weavers to sell their goods directly to the government. Efforts are ongoing to ensure that people in the handloom sector benefit from Digital India initiatives.

Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for his visionary leadership in preserving India's cultural heritage. He noted that the Prime Minister is a brand ambassador of Indian handlooms worldwide, and his gestures of gifting Indian handloom products to global leaders promote India's culture across the world.

Goyal highlighted that the handloom sector played a vital role in India's history and development journey, symbolizing unity in diversity. The event brought together over 3,000 handloom and khadi weavers, artisans, and stakeholders from across the country to showcase the hand-woven treasures of India.

The Prime Minister inaugurated the 'Indian Textiles and Crafts Treasury' e-portal, a unique knowledge platform that catalogues India's clothing diversity and showcases the strength and specialties of each region. It will also provide access to a vast database on textiles, clothing, and craft-related areas.

The celebration included exhibitions, demonstrations, and initiatives to raise awareness among the younger generation about India's rich handloom sector. Overall, the event highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting India's handloom legacy for the world to appreciate.

National Handloom Day: Commemorating India's Swadeshi Movement

PM Marks National Handloom Day, Emphasizes Swadeshi Revolution