President Murmu Presents Handloom Awards

President Droupadi Murmu presented the Sant Kabir National Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on Friday, August 7, 2026, to mark the 12th National Handloom Day.

The President addressed the gathering and congratulated the awardees, praising the country's weaving community for preserving India's rich textile traditions. She noted that Indian handloom products are not just pieces of fabric but symbols of the nation's cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and identity passed down through generations.

A total of 22 awards were conferred upon the handloom weavers for their craftsmanship, innovation, and contribution to the preservation of India's handloom traditions. The Sant Kabir National Handloom Awards are among the country's highest honours for handloom weavers, particularly in rural India.

The President highlighted the crucial role of the handloom sector in providing livelihoods to millions of weavers, particularly in rural India. She noted that the industry significantly contributes to women's empowerment, employment generation, and sustainable economic development while keeping traditional art forms alive.

President Murmu also emphasized the importance of handloom in India's cultural and civilisational journey, stating that it reflects the extraordinary diversity of the nation and has preserved regional uniqueness. She encouraged young entrepreneurs, designers, and startups to explore new trends, brands, and global value chains to create new opportunities in the handloom sector.

The event was part of the National Handloom Day celebrations, which aim to promote and preserve India's handloom traditions. The day is observed on August 7 every year to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement, which was launched on this day in 1905.

The handloom sector is a significant contributor to India's economy, providing employment to millions of people, particularly in rural areas. The sector is also known for its unique and diverse products, which are highly valued for their quality and craftsmanship.

The President's presentation of the awards is a recognition of the outstanding contributions of India's handloom weavers and artisans, who have worked tirelessly to preserve and promote the country's rich textile heritage. The awards will serve as a motivation for the weavers to continue their work and innovate in the field of handloom.

In conclusion, the presentation of the Sant Kabir National Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards by President Droupadi Murmu is a significant event that highlights the importance of the handloom sector in India's cultural and economic landscape. The event serves as a reminder of the need to preserve and promote India's rich textile heritage and to support the weavers and artisans who are the backbone of the industry.

The handloom sector has the potential to contribute significantly to India's economic growth and development, particularly in rural areas. The sector also has the potential to create new opportunities for young entrepreneurs, designers, and startups, who can explore new trends, brands, and global value chains to create new products and markets.

Overall, the presentation of the awards is a positive step towards promoting and preserving India's handloom traditions, and it is expected to have a significant impact on the sector in the coming years.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including ministers, officials, and representatives of the handloom industry. The attendees praised the President's initiative to promote the handloom sector and encouraged the weavers and artisans to continue their work.

In her address, the President also urged the citizens to use handloom products, stating that it will help to promote the sector and support the weavers and artisans. She also emphasized the need to innovate and experiment with new designs, products, and markets to make the handloom sector more competitive and sustainable.

The National Handloom Day celebrations will continue throughout the month, with several events and exhibitions being organized across the country to promote and preserve India's handloom traditions. The events will provide a platform for the weavers and artisans to showcase their products and skills, and to interact with buyers, designers, and other stakeholders in the industry.

The handloom sector is expected to play a significant role in India's economic growth and development in the coming years, particularly in rural areas. The sector has the potential to create new opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation, and to contribute significantly to the country's GDP.

In conclusion, the presentation of the Sant Kabir National Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards by President Droupadi Murmu is a significant event that highlights the importance of the handloom sector in India's cultural and economic landscape. The event serves as a reminder of the need to preserve and promote India's rich textile heritage and to support the weavers and artisans who are the backbone of the industry.