On the 7th of August 2020, the sixth National Handloom Day was observed, organized by the Indian Ministry of Textiles. This function was held virtually due to concerns around the Covid-19 pandemic. The very first National Handloom Day was celebrated in Chennai back in 2015.
The Significance of the Date
The date, the 7th of August, bears historical importance as it marks the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905. Originating from the ideology of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, this day is seen as an opportunity to honour the handloom weaving community and shed light on their crucial role within our society.
Objectives of National Handloom Day
The key objectives of this event include raising awareness about the handloom industry and its socio-economic contributions. The day is also dedicated to protecting India’s handloom heritage while providing weavers with better opportunities. The aim is to ensure the sustainable development of the handloom sector, leading to the financial empowerment of weavers and recognition of their craftsmanship.
Importance of the Handloom Sector in India
The handloom sector stands as a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage, often playing a role in promoting India’s soft power. Examples of this include ‘Saree diplomacy’ and ‘Khadi diplomacy.’ As per the Fourth All India Handloom Census conducted in 2019-20, about 31.45 lakh households are engaged in handloom, weaving, and related activities.
Protective Measures and Initiatives
In response to the current measures imposed due to the pandemic, a social media campaign has been planned for the handloom weaving community. Key stakeholders such as Secretaries of the States, the Central Silk Board, National Jute Board, retail companies, and design bodies have been requested to support the campaign. As a part of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) organised a Virtual Fair featuring over 150 participants presenting their unique designs and skills.
About the Handloom Export Promotion Council
The Handloom Export Promotion Council is a nodal agency under the Ministry of Textiles. It was established as a non-profit company with the primary objective to promote the exports of all handloom products.
Challenges in the Handloom Industry
Due to Covid-19 induced lockdowns and social distancing norms, there are no ongoing handicraft and handloom exhibitions or markets. This situation has caused a severe blow to the incomes and supply chains associated with the handloom and handicraft industry. Moreover, natural calamities such as the recent Assam floods significantly impact the livelihoods of artisans, especially within the silk clusters of the state.
Suggestions & The Road Ahead
To overcome such challenges, promotion of Indian weavers internationally is necessary. Textile clusters could be encouraged to make masks and other medical equipment using textiles. Government programs such as Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, Vocal for Local campaign and Make in India can be potent tools to increase domestic demand. Corporate organisations can contribute by purchasing products from artisans for corporate gifting, aiding in creating a direct connection between producers and consumers.
Online marketing portals and platforms should be boosted to connect states, the Centre and crafts, specifically when the sectors interlink, like the Northeast Expo 2019 did with ‘Tea and Khadi’ diplomacy. As markets shift online, equipping artisans with adequate technology training and operational knowledge is crucial. Organising online exhibitions through Indian embassies to honour Indian artisans worldwide might help increase global awareness around the rich legacy of India’s handlooms. The aim is to steadily transition towards the government’s vision of ‘minimum government and maximum governance’ in achieving leaner government machinery and systematic rationalisation of government bodies.