President Droupadi Murmu has said that the handloom sector serves not only as a source of livelihood but also as a powerful instrument of inclusive development. Addressing the programme on the occasion of 12th National Handloom Day in New Delhi today, the President said that for thousands of years, handloom has been an integral part of India’s cultural and civilisational journey. The President added that the sector has preserved India’s rich heritage while promoting employment, women’s empowerment, art, culture, and love for nature. 

 

President Murmu underlined that the sector offers immense employment opportunities and noted that more than 35 lakh people are engaged in India’s handloom sector, of which 25 lakh are women. Further, the President said that Handloom is closely linked with India’s freedom struggle and the vision of self-reliance and reflects the extraordinary diversity of the nation. The President also extended best wishes to the weavers, entrepreneurs, designers, students, and everyone associated with India’s handloom sector.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh has said that the Government is committed to promoting handloom as a sustainable fabric. He added that in the coming years, the demand for handloom products is expected to grow, and the Government will ensure that this market demand reaches the weavers directly. Further, he encouraged the younger generation to choose weaving as a profession.

 

During the event, the President conferred the Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and the National Handloom Awards for the year 2025. A total of 22 awards, comprising three Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and nineteen National Handloom Awards, were conferred upon the handloom weavers for their craftsmanship, innovation and contribution to the preservation of India’s handloom traditions. Four commemorative postage stamps celebrating the country’s rich and diverse handloom weaving traditions were also released on the occasion.