PM addresses National Handloom Day Celebration in New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 07, 2023, PIB

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the National Handloom Day
Celebration at Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi today and launched

the e-portal ‘Bhartiya Vastra evam Shilpa Kosh - A Repository of Textiles & Crafts’
developed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology. The Prime Minister also
visited the exhibition showcased on the occasion and interacted with the weavers. 
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister recalled how the exhibitors used to
showcase their products in a tent in an exhibition held in Pragati Maidan before the
inauguration ceremony of Bharat Mandapam took place. In the magnificence of
Bharat Mandapam, the Prime Minister highlighted the contribution of the handloom
industry of India and said that the confluence of old and new defines the new India of
today. “The India of today is not just ‘Local for Vocal’ but also providing a global
platform to take it to the world”, he said. Throwing light on his conversations with the
weavers before the start of today’s program, the Prime Minister noted the presence of
various handloom clusters from across the country in today’s grand celebrations and
welcomed them. 
“August is the month of ‘Kranti’”, the Prime Minister remarked. He underlined that
this is the time to remember every sacrifice that was made for India’s independence.
Highlighting the Swadeshi Movement, the Prime Minister said that it was not only
limited to boycotting foreign-made textiles but a source of inspiration for the
independent economy of India. He said that it was a movement to connect the weavers
of India with the people, and this was the inspiration behind the government choosing
this day as National Handloom Day. In the last few years, the Prime Minister
underlined that unprecedented work has been done for the expansion of the handloom
industry as well as the weavers. “There is a new revolution in the country about
Swadeshi”, Shri Modi remarked. He expressed pride in the success of India through
the achievements of its weavers. 
The Prime Minister emphasized that one’s identity is related to the clothes they wear
and highlighted the diverse clothing that can be seen on the occasion. He said that it is
also an occasion to celebrate India’s diversity through the clothes of different regions.
“India possesses a beautiful rainbow of clothing”, the Prime Minister said as he
observed the diversity in clothing ranging from the tribal communities in far-fetched
areas to people living in the snow-clad mountains, and from people in the coastal
regions to those living in the desert as well as the clothing available in the markets of
India. He recalled urging the need to enlist and compile the diverse clothing of India
and expressed delight that it has come to fruition today with the launch of ‘Bhartiya
Vastra evam Shilpa Kosh’. 
Noting that India’s textile industry was well-founded in the past centuries, the Prime
Minister lamented that no concrete efforts were made to strengthen it after
independence. “Even Khadi was left in a moribund state”, he said, adding that those
wearing Khadi were looked down upon. After 2014, the Prime Minister said, the
government is striving to change this circumstance and the thinking behind it. The

Prime Minister recalled urging the citizens to buy Khadi products during the early
phase of the Mann Ki Baat program which resulted in more than a 3 fold rise in the
production of Khadi in the last 9 years. He also noted that the sale of Khadi clothes
has increased by 5 times and its demand in foreign nations is also increasing. Shri
Modi also recalled meeting the CEO of a huge fashion brand during his visit to Paris
who informed him about the growing attraction towards Khadi and Indian handloom. 
The Prime Minister informed that the turnover of Khadi and village industries was
only around Rs 25-30 thousand crores nine years ago. but today it has reached more
than one lakh thirty thousand crore rupees. He mentioned that the additional Rs 1 lakh
crore has reached those associated with the handloom sector in the villages and the
tribals. The Prime Minister cited the Niti Aayog Report which states that 13.5 crore
have come out of poverty in the last 5 years and acknowledged the contribution of the
growing turnover for the same. “With the spirit of Vocal for Local, the citizens are
buying indigenous products wholeheartedly and it has become a mass movement”,
Shri Modi said. He also reiterated the need to repeat the Swadeshi resolution to
support the weavers and handicraftsmen in the upcoming festivities of Raksha
Bandhan, Ganesh Utsav, Dussehra and Deepavali.  
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that the schemes implemented for the
textile sector are becoming a major means of social justice as he pointed out that lakhs
of people are engaged in handloom work in villages and towns across the country.
Noting that most of these people come from dalit, backward, pasmanda and tribal
societies, the Prime Minister said that the efforts of the government have led to an
increase in employment in large numbers along with a boost to income. He gave
examples of schemes for electricity, water, gas connection, Swacch Bharat and said
that they have received the maximum benefits from such campaigns. “Free ration,
pucca house, free treatment up to Rs.5 lakh, this is Modi’s guarantee”, the Prime
Minister said as he underlined that the present government has put an end to the
decades-long wait of the weaver community for basic amenities.
The Prime Minister emphasized the government not only strives to keep the traditions
associated with the textile sector alive but also attract the world in a new avatar. That's
why, the Prime Minister said, the government is emphasizing the education, training
and income of those associated with this work and giving wings to the aspirations of
the children of weavers and handicraftsmen. He mentioned a scholarship up to Rs 2
lakh in textile institutes for skill training of the children of weavers. Shri Modi
informed that more than 600 handloom clusters have been developed in the last 9
years and thousands of weavers have been trained. “It is the constant endeavor of the
government to make the weavers’ work easier, increase their productivity and
improve the quality and designs. He also mentioned that computer-operated punching
machines are also being provided to them which enables the creation of new designs
at a fast pace. “Warp-making is also becoming easier with motorized machines. Many

such equipment, many such machines are being made available to the weavers”, he
said. He also mentioned that the government is providing raw materials like yarn to
handloom weavers at concessional rates and also bearing the cost of transporting the
raw material. The Prime Minister also touched upon the Mudra Yojana and said that it
has now become possible for weavers to get loans without guarantee.
The Prime Minister recalled his association with the weavers of Gujarat and also
highlighted the contributions of the handloom industry of the entire Kashi region
which is his constituency. He pointed out the challenges of supply chain and
marketing faced by the weavers in selling their products and mentioned that the
government is giving emphasis on the marketing of handmade products by organizing
exhibitions throughout the country just like Bharat Mandapam. Shri Modi informed
that a daily allowance is also provided along with a free stall. The Prime Minister also
appreciated the startups and the youth of India that have brought innovation in
techniques and patterns as well as marketing practices for products made by cottage
industries and handlooms and said that one can witness its bright future. Speaking
about ‘One District One Product’ scheme, the Prime Minister said that special
products from every district are being promoted. “Special stalls are also being set up
at railway stations of the country for the sale of such products”, he said. He also
mentioned the upcoming Ekta Mall being developed in every capital city of the states
by the government to promote handicrafts and products made from handlooms from
every state and district under one roof which will benefit those associated with the
handloom sector. Shri Modi also touched upon the Ekta Mall at the Statue of Unity
which gives an opportunity for the tourists to experience the unity of India and buy
products from any state under a single roof.
Speaking about the various gifts that the Prime Minister presents to the dignitaries
during his visits abroad, he said that it is not only appreciated by them but also creates
a deep impact when they find out about those who manufacture it.
Speaking about the GeM Portal or Government e-Marketplace, the Prime Minister
said that even the smallest artisan, craftsman, or weaver can sell their goods directly to
the government and informed that about 1.75 lakh organizations related to handloom
and handicrafts are linked to the GeM portal today. “Efforts are on to ensure that our
brothers and sisters in the handloom sector get the benefits of Digital India”, he
added.  
“The government is working with a clear strategy to provide the world's biggest
market to its weavers”, the Prime Minister remarked. He said that huge companies of
the world are coming forward to take the products of India’s MSMEs, weavers,
artisans and farmers to the markets across the world. He threw light on the direct
discussions with the leaders of several such companies who have big stores, retail
supply chains, online presence and shops all over the world. He mentioned that such

companies have now resolved to take the local products of India to every nook and
corner of the globe. “Be it millets or handloom products, these big international
companies will take them to the markets across the world”, he said. He emphasized
that the products will be made in India and the supply chain will be used by these
multinational companies. 
Directing his address to those associated with the textile industry and fashion world,
the Prime Minister stressed the need to increase the scope of our thinking and work
apart from the steps taken to become one of the top-3 economies of the world. He
underlined that ‘Sabka Prayas’ (everyone’s effort) will be required to make India’s
handloom, Khadi and the textile sector as the world champions. “Be it a worker, a
weaver, a designer or an industry, everyone will have to make dedicated efforts”, he
said. He also stressed the need to connect the skill of the weavers with the scale and
technology. Throwing light on the rise of a neo-middle class in India, the Prime
Minister observed that a huge young consumer class is being formed for every
product and it presents a huge opportunity for textile companies. Therefore, the Prime
Minister said, it is also the responsibility of these companies to strengthen the local
supply chain and invest in it. He denounced the approach of importing textiles if
ready-made clothes are available outside India. He emphasized investing in the local
supply chain and preparing it for the future and said that the big players in the sector
must not make excuses as to how it will happen with such short notice. “If we want to
take advantage in the future, then we have to invest in local supply chain today. This
is the way to build a developed India and realize the dream of a 5 trillion dollar
economy”, he said. He further added that the Swadeshi dream of our freedom fighters
will be achieved only by following this path. “Those who weave the dreams of an
Atmanirbhar Bharat and provide strength to ‘Make in India’ consider Khadi to be not
just clothing but a weapon”, the Prime Minister exclaimed. 
Speaking about the relevance of the 9th of August, the Prime Minister said that the
date has been a witness to the biggest movement of India - the Quit India movement
under the leadership of Pujya Mahatma Gandhi who sent the message of Quit India to
the British. Shortly after this, the Prime Minister said, the British had to leave India.
The Prime Minister underlined the need of the hour today as the country moves
forward with willpower. He said that the same mantra can be used which was once
used to drive out the British and chase away such elements that have become an
obstacle as the nation resolves to build a ‘Viksit Bharat’ or developed India. “Entire
India is echoing in one voice -  corruption, dynasty, appeasement must Quit India”,
Shri Modi exclaimed. He underlined that these evils in India are a big challenge for
the country and expressed confidence that the nation will defeat these evils. “The
country will be victorious, the people of India will be victorious”, he added. 
Concluding the address, the Prime Minister threw light on his interaction with the
women who have dedicated themselves to weaving the Tricolour for years. He urged

the citizens to hoist the Tricolour and celebrate the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ once again.
“When the Tricolour is hoisted on the roofs, it also unfurls within ourselves”, the
Prime Minister concluded. 
Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State for Textiles,
Smt Darshana Jardosh and Union Minister for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises,
Shri Narayan Tatu Rane were present on the occasion among others.