2nd National Handloom Day -Exhibition of Handlooms, Khadi & related products

FICCI and FICCI Ladies Organisation jointly organised an exhibition to commemorate the 2nd National Handloom Day on August 7, 2016 at FICCI. The exhibition was in line with the directive of the Government of India to celebrate August 7 as the National Handloom Day every year. The First National Handloom Day was celebrated on 7th August, 2015.

The objective of the exhibition was to generate awareness about the importance of handloom industry as a part of our rich heritage and culture, promote handloom products and lead to increase in income of weavers as well as enhance their confidence and pride.

Smt. Pushpa Subrahmanyam, I.A.S, Addl. Secretary, Ministry of Textiles inaugurated the exhibition. FLO Sr. Vice President, Vasvi Bharat Ram, Past President Abha Dalmia and FICCI Director General (International), Ambika Sharma was also present at the occasion along with some other FLO Members. Smt. Jaya Jaitley, Founder- President of Dastkari Haat Samiti also visited the exhibition.

The ambit of products showcased in the exhibition included a wide range of high quality handcrafted and authentic range of Khadi and other related products. A range of high quality products were exhibited by 26 companies with 30 stalls. To name a few, the exhibitors include – Hadoti, Rajasthan; Kothari Sons; Tantuja (Govt. of West Bengal); The Handicrafts & Handlooms Exports Corporation of India Limited; Denim Club India; Pratham;Nilambari Sarees Pvt. Ltd.; Pattanga By Laju Shaparia; JJ Dastkari; Indian Rayon (Aditya Birla Nuvo ltd); Central Cottage Industries Corporation of India Ltd.; Ruaab Sewa Artisans Products Company Ltd.;Eco Tasar Silk Pvt. Ltd.; Roliana; The Benares Splendour; HAST KARIGAR SOCIETY; S. A. Overseas; Priyadarshi Handlooms; Silk Souk etc.

The exhibition was attended by 20+ buying houses and exporters (Buyer Seller Meets) and attended by more than 100 Visitors (Retails Sale). The business volume during the exhibition was approx. Rs 16, 16,000, as per feedback forms of exhibitors.

Vinita Bimbhet, FLO President Said “It is very important that we understand the true potential of Handlooms & Handicrafts and its significant role in providing employment to a vast segment of craftsperson and preserve the intangible heritage of our country.”

She further added, “There is definitely much discussion nationally and vigorous endeavours towards survival of Handlooms. The National Handloom Day is a hugely constructive step towards preserving the millennia of crafts heritage and promoting India’s cultural identity.

It is equally important to align these sectors to the mainstream and popular culture that would help the craftsperson to continue with their ancient heritage and skills. Through this exhibition, we would also like to explore the way forward for creating a holistic plan for handlooms and handicrafts, and also on creating better market linkages and livelihood for craftspeople.”

FLO Sr. Vice President, Vasvi Bharat Ram said “Over 43 lakh persons are engaged in handloom weaving and allied activities in India as per the last handloom census. It is very important that we understand the true potential of Handlooms & Handicrafts and its significant role in providing employment to a vast segment of craftsperson and preserve the intangible heritage of our country.”

She added, “This is the only sector that offers the promise and potential to preserve and promote India’s cultural identity. With more active promotion, additional financing and tax breaks for the handloom industry, India could provide the finest hand makers of the world. This exhibition is a step ahead towards this direction.”