Honouring the Backbone of Indian Textiles
At a prestigious event held in New Delhi, Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh conferred the Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards 2025 to weavers, designers, entrepreneurs, marketers, and producer companies who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to India’s handloom heritage.
The ceremony coincided with the 11th National Handloom Day, a symbolic reminder of the Swadeshi Movement and the central role handloom continues to play in India’s cultural and economic landscape.
Handlooms: A Global Symbol of Sustainability
In his address, Giriraj Singh highlighted how Indian handlooms are becoming an answer to the world’s rising demand for sustainable textile products. He emphasized that this isn’t just about preserving tradition but aligning it with modern, eco-conscious values.
The Minister announced fresh initiatives to protect indigenous weaver designs and ensure their rightful recognition and ownership in the global marketplace.
“Our handloom sector is not just heritage; it’s the future of ethical fashion,” Singh remarked.
Empowering Weavers Through Digital Integration
Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita echoed this vision, noting how e-commerce platforms are transforming market access for weavers. With zero commission selling models, artisans are now able to connect directly with consumers, boosting both income and autonomy.
He also spoke about the Geographical Indication (GI) tagging of products and the Handloom Mark initiative, which ensure authenticity and promote the “Handloom India” brand internationally.
“Digital tools are not replacing tradition; they’re amplifying it,” Margherita said.
Recognising Excellence Across the Sector
The awarded individuals and organisations this year span a wide spectrum—from grassroots weavers preserving age-old patterns to young designers blending heritage with modern aesthetics, and start-ups leveraging technology for ethical fashion.
Their stories not only reaffirm the resilience of handloom communities but also demonstrate how innovation and tradition can coexist powerfully.