The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, today presented the Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards 2025 at the Handloom Awards Ceremony organised on the occasion of the 12th National Handloom Day at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre (RBCC), New Delhi. The ceremony celebrated India's rich handloom heritage and recognised the outstanding craftsmanship and contributions of the country's handloom weavers towards preserving and promoting its timeless weaving traditions.

The function was attended by Shri Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs & Textiles, Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary (Textiles) and Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms). Also present were Sant Kabir Handloom Awardees and National Handloom Awardees, their family members, members of the Awards Selection Committee, eminent personalities associated with the handloom sector, handloom weavers from across the country, senior Government officials, media representatives and other distinguished guests.

The President of India conferred 3 Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards for the year 2025 upon outstanding handloom weavers in recognition of their exceptional craftsmanship, innovation and contribution towards preserving and promoting India's rich handloom traditions.

 

Addressing the gathering, the President said that handloom has been an integral part of the evolutionary journey of India’s civilization for centuries. It reflects the extraordinary diversity of our nation and has preserved our regional uniqueness. The President emphasised handloom sector fosters employment, women's empowerment, art and culture, and love for nature.

The President said that the appropriate use of new technologies is essential for the sustainable development of this sector. Market access can be made more effective through modern digital solutions.

The President noted that many talented young entrepreneurs, equipped with technology and innovative designs, are entering this sector. She said that there should be proactive hand-holding of the youth through government schemes and institutions so that their enthusiasm and skills can ensure long-term, multifaceted success of this sector. She also underlined the importance of encouraging younger generations to carry forward this invaluable legacy.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles, reaffirmed the Government's continued commitment to strengthening the handloom sector through sustained policy support, technology adoption, design innovation, market promotion, skill development and welfare initiatives. Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs & Textiles, highlighted the importance of innovation, youth participation and expanding global opportunities in strengthening India's handloom sector while preserving its rich traditions.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the release of four commemorative postage stamps on Indian handloom weaves by the President of India. The President also released “Earth. Root. Thread – Aal Dyed Handloom Textiles of Central India”, a publication of the Office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, celebrating India's diverse weaving traditions and documenting excellence in the handloom sector.

An exhibition showcasing award-winning handloom products was organised on the sidelines of the function. Visitors also witnessed live demonstrations of traditional Kani weaving and Wall Hanging weaving, providing a glimpse into the diversity, craftsmanship and artistic excellence of India's handloom traditions.

National Handloom Day is observed every year on 7 August to commemorate the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905, which gave renewed impetus to indigenous industries and India's handloom sector. Since the declaration of 7 August as National Handloom Day in 2015, the occasion has served to recognise the invaluable contribution of the handloom sector to India's rich cultural heritage, livelihood generation and sustainable development.

The 12th National Handloom Day celebrations reaffirmed the Ministry of Textiles' commitment to preserving and promoting India's rich handloom heritage while strengthening the handloom ecosystem through continued support for artisans, innovation, design development and market access. The occasion also celebrated the extraordinary skill, creativity and dedication of the country's handloom weavers, whose craftsmanship continues to enrich India's cultural identity and inspire future generations.

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