PM Modi urges citizens to support handloom and Khadi, says sector preserves India’s cultural heritage and strengthens livelihoods
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called upon citizens to support India’s handloom, handicraft and Khadi sectors, saying they not only preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage but also provide sustainable livelihoods to millions of weavers and artisans across the country.
Addressing the nation during the 136th episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister said, “In just a few days – on the 7th of August – our country will celebrate ‘National Handloom Day’. On this occasion, we celebrate the skills and creativity of our weaver brothers and sisters. These friends of ours are carrying forward traditions that have been passed down through generations. Every handloom garment tells the story of a specific region, a community, and the countless people associated with it. These are the people who are proudly dedicated to preserving India’s cultural heritage.”
“Today, I urge you to honour our weaver friends by encouraging handloom crafts. Come, let us further strengthen the spirit of being ‘Vocal for Local’,” he added.
The Prime Minister highlighted the growing momentum behind the handloom sector, saying renewed efforts to promote traditional crafts were improving the lives of artisans across different regions of the country.
“The way handloom is being promoted in the country today is improving the lives of a large number of people. We see many examples of this, from Pochampally to Patna and from Kuthampally to Kutch. Today, there are many individuals and groups infusing new energy and identity into our glorious handloom tradition. Some are carrying forward the beautiful tradition of ‘Pochampally Ikat’, while others are engaging women weavers to create wool products. Some are preserving Keralam’s traditional ‘Kasavu Kala’. This is also providing employment to our mothers and sisters,” he said.
PM Modi also underscored the significance of Khadi, recalling its association with Mahatma Gandhi and noting its growing popularity in recent years.
“Another subject I would particularly like to mention is ‘Khadi’. We all know that ‘Khadi’ was very dear to Mahatma Gandhi. During recent years, ‘Khadi’ has become quite popular. Its sales have increased six-fold over the last 12 years. This sales figure has now reached nearly ₹8,000 crore. I urge all of you to definitely buy at least one product or the other made of Khadi, handloom, or handicraft during the upcoming festive season,” the Prime Minister said.
