PM Modi highlights revival of handicraft industry in ‘Mann Ki Baat’

(MENAFN- IANS) New Delhi, July 28 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ speech on Sunday, highlighted the growing importance of the handloom industry across the country and lauded the efforts made by private companies and start-ups to promote the sector.

Sharing the transformation story of over 250 women from Rohtak district of Haryana, PM Modi said, “The hues of prosperity have filled the lives of over 250 women from Rohtak district of Haryana. These women, earlier associated with the handicraft industry, used to run small shops and do menial jobs to make ends meet, but each of them has the desire to move forward and so they decide to join Unnati Self Help Groups (SHGs).”

Praising the SHGs for their efforts, he said, “By joining this group, they were trained in block printing and dyeing. These women who spread the magic of colours on clothes are earning lakhs of rupees today. The bed covers, saris and dupattas they make are in high demand in the market.”

Prime Minister Modi emphasised that similar efforts are being made by artisans across India to popularise traditional handloom products.

“Whether it is the Sambalpuri sarees of Odisha, Maheshwari sarees of MP, Paithani sarees of Maharashtra or block prints of Vidharbha, Bhuttico shawls and woollen wear of Himachal or Kani shawls of Jammu and Kashmir, the work of handloom artisans is popular in every corner of the country,” he added.

With National Handloom Day approaching on August 7, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the role of private companies and startups in increasingly promoting sustainable fashion and handloom products using artificial intelligence (AI) and other innovative methods.

“Startups like Kosha AI, Handloom India, D-Junk, Novatex and Brahmaputra Fables are actively working to make these products more popular… You too can share your local products on social media with the hashtag #MyProductMyPride. This small effort will change the lives of many,” the Prime Minister said.

He also spoke about the growing popularity of Khadi, a fabric closely associated with the country’s independence movement. He proudly announced that the turnover of Khadi Village Industry had crossed Rs 1.5 lakh crore for the first time, with sales increasing by 400 per cent.

Noting the growing demand for Khadi and handloom products, the Prime Minister said, “This growing sale of Khadi and handloom products is also creating a lot of new employment opportunities. It is mostly women who are involved in this industry, so they are the ones who benefit the most. I urge you once again… You must have a variety of clothes and if you haven’t bought Khadi so far, start this year.”

PM Modi urged everyone to embrace Khadi and handloom products, especially in August, which symbolises independence and revolution. He urged those who have not yet bought Khadi to start the year by supporting local artisans and celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage.

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