New Delhi, Aug 7: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday stressed that the appropriate use of new technologies is essential for the sustainable development of the handloom sector, urging greater adoption of digital solutions and e-commerce while encouraging young entrepreneurs and startups to link traditional crafts with modern trends and global value chains.
Addressing the 12th National Handloom Day celebrations at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, where she presented the Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards 2025, the President said technology, contemporary training and improved market access would strengthen the sector’s contribution to inclusive growth and self-reliance. Four commemorative postage stamps celebrating India’s diverse handloom traditions were also released on the occasion.
Murmu said key handloom clusters are being integrated with modern technology and that government initiatives are helping enhance weavers’ incomes while promoting India’s handloom sector as a “Verified Cultural Economy.”
She called for proactive support to young entrepreneurs, designers and startups, saying they can create new opportunities by connecting traditional crafts with modern brands, fashion trends and global value chains. She also highlighted the role of Design Resource Centres under Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology and Weavers’ Service Centres in attracting youth to the sector.
The President said the handloom sector has remained integral to India’s civilisation, supporting employment, women’s empowerment, culture and environmental sustainability, while also playing a significant role in the country’s freedom movement and the spirit of self-reliance.
She noted that National Handloom Day has been observed on August 7 since 2015 to commemorate the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905, which promoted indigenous goods and India’s handloom weavers.
