Jammu: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to strengthening India’s handloom sector, describing it as an important pillar of rural empowerment, women-led development and the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, as the nation observed National Handloom Day.
Greeting citizens on the occasion, PM Modi said India celebrates its rich and vibrant handloom heritage and honours the skill, creativity and dedication of weavers and artisans who have preserved traditional crafts for generations.
“Our Government will keep supporting the handloom sector, which is an important pillar of rural empowerment, women-led development and fulfilling the dream of an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
The Prime Minister also appealed to citizens to promote handloom products by sharing their favourite items and making GRWM (Get Ready With Me) videos using the hashtag #NationalHandloomDay, saying such efforts would encourage artisans and increase awareness about indigenous textiles.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended greetings to weavers and craftspeople of Jammu and Kashmir and the country, acknowledging their invaluable contribution in preserving India’s cultural heritage and centuries-old traditions.
In a message shared through the Office of the Lieutenant Governor on X, LG Sinha praised the creativity, dedication and skill of handloom artisans, stating that their work reflects India’s vibrant cultural identity.
“On National Handloom Day, we celebrate the rich cultural heritage, creativity and craftsmanship of our weavers and craftspeople. Let us acknowledge and admire their invaluable contribution and resolve to preserve our handloom traditions while empowering the artisans who keep them alive,” the post read.
He stressed that the handloom sector is not only a symbol of India’s artistic excellence but also an important source of livelihood for thousands of families.
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh V K Saxena highlighted the timeless artistry of Ladakh’s weavers and the global identity of Ladakh Pashmina on National Handloom Day.
The Ladakh LG said sustained efforts through GI protection, skill development, design support, market access and institutional policy frameworks have helped strengthen the handloom and Pashmina sector while empowering local artisans.
National Handloom Day is observed every year on August 7 to commemorate the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905, which promoted indigenous products and self-reliance.
Meanwhile, the National Handloom Day was celebrated with a Tiranga yatra at Lukung village in the Changthang region of Ladakh, marking the launch of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign and highlighting the spirit of the Swadeshi movement in one of the country’s highest inhabited areas.
The event, organised by the Changthang district administration in collaboration with the Department of Handloom and Handicraft, Leh, was held on the banks of Pangong lake at an altitude of over 14,000 feet.
Deputy Commissioner Nitish Rajora, who was the chief guest, stressed the need to preserve Ladakh’s traditional handloom heritage while encouraging artisans to adopt innovation and improve the quality and marketability of their products.
He also appreciated the efforts of the Department of Handloom and Handicraft, and the sub-divisional administration in promoting the welfare of local weavers and artisans.
