Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the first National Handloom Day at the Centenary Hall of Madras University in Chennai. The function was organised by the Tamil Nadu government’s textile ministry. At the function, Modi also launched the “India Handloom” mark and presented Sant Kabir Awards and National Awards for 2012, 2013 and 2014 to distinguished handloom personalities. The main objective behind observing National Handloom Day is to honour the handloom weavers and also to give a boost to India’s handloom industry.
Modi said handloom can be popularised by film makers. He also urged the Textiles Ministry to institute awards for innovative design and branding initiatives in handloom. It should be noted that this is the Prime Minister’s first visit to the Tamil Nadu capital since he assumed.
Sant Kabir Award
- The Sant Kabir Award is presented since 2009 to distinguished handloom weavers who have contributed in keeping India’s heritage alive for ages.
- Each award comprises a mounted gold coin, tamrapatra, shawl and a citation.
- A Sant Kabir awardee is also given a financial assistance of up to Rs 6 lakh to innovate and create 10 new products that boast of high level of excellence.
What is special about August 7?
August 7 has significance in India’s history as it was on this day that the Swadeshi Movement was launched in 1905.
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