NATIONAL HANDLOOM DAY – “a step towards revivalism”

August 7, 2015 has been marked as India’s first National Handloom Day. It’s a milestone step for the Handloom sector and will benefit 43 lakh weavers – directly & indirectly involved with this sector. The historic decision was announced by our Prime Minister Modi at Centenary Hall of Madras University in Chennai awarding Sant Kabir Awards along with National Awards to the weavers and the master-weavers for their remarkable work for the years 2012, 2013 & 2014.

                                    a happy weaver weaving on handloom in chanderi, M,P

“India Handloom” brand and the logo was also launched during the same event and will be a great step towards revivalism of Indian Handloom, Weavers and also will help in developing and producing good quality products with their better positioning as well.

The Swadeshi Movement started the same day on 7^th august in 1905, giving the date the special significance in India’s history to be chosen for this historic day. This day will be celebrated all over the country in cooperation with state governments.

The step taken will promote handloom as a genuine international product of good quality and also the weavers and their craftsmanship. India has one of the finest textile traditions in the world and handloom  weaving is one of the largest activity after agriculture. 95% of the world’s handwoven fabric comes from India.

Source – DNA India

Handloom is an integral part of our old age traditions and depicts the richness and diversity of our country and the artistry of weavers.

This historic day should not be celebrated only for a single day, but should involve a round the year programmes to upgrade and uplift the state of the weavers. Poverty, hunger & debt are few issues which are forcing the weavers to give up their crafts and switch to alternate options such as – mechanics, watchman etc. Inconsistent incomes, unending poverty, not adequate supply of water, electricity,  poor educational facilities are few major issues which are forcing them to leave their villages, their crafts and also to put their children and family people into some different area to earn their sustainable living. The government policies are not reaching to them in a proper way and the profit earned by them is way too less for their survival.

Their struggle is on………..and so this historic decision will provide an impetus to the handloom industry, the weavers, the craftsmanship and their survival.