National Handloom Day: PM Modi says sector key to 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', vows to 'keep supporting'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said his government will keep supporting the handloom sector, which he termed an "important pillar of rural empowerment, women-led development and fulfilling the dream of an Atmanirbhar Bharat".

Conveying greetings on the National Handloom Day, PM Modi said India celebrates its rich and vibrant handloom heritage and also salutes the skill, creativity and dedication of the country's weavers and artisans.

'Fulfilling dream of Atmanirbhar Bharat'

He said they have preserved and enriched the traditions for generations.

"Our Government will keep supporting the handloom sector, which is an important pillar of rural empowerment, women-led development and fulfilling the dream of an Atmanirbhar Bharat," he said in a post on 'X'.

The Prime Minister also appealed to people to share their favourite handloom products and GRWM (Great Ready With Me) videos using the hashtag "#NationalHandloomDay", and said it will encourage those associated with the sector.

The National Handloom Day is celebrated annually on August 7. It commemorates the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905, which promoted indigenous goods and encouraged self-reliance.

PM's reel calls for promoting India's rich weaving tradition

On Thursday night, through an Instagram reel, PM Modi appealed to everyone to buy handloom and make videos of handloom products for attracting people across the globe towards such materials.

He called upon citizens to celebrate National Handloom Day on August 7 by embracing handwoven products and promoting India's rich weaving tradition, saying the occasion is an opportunity to honour the country's weaver community and strengthen the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

In a video message, the Prime Minister recalled the historic Swadeshi Movement, which began on August 7, 1905, describing it as a defining moment in India's freedom struggle that laid the foundation for self-reliance.

Recalls Swadeshi Movement

Modi said the Swadeshi Movement united people across the country in the fight against British rule and gave a new direction to India's independence movement. He said the spirit of self-reliance that emerged during the movement continues to inspire the country's development journey. "The nation can never forget the Swadeshi Movement that began on August 7, 1905. It gave a new direction to India's freedom struggle and laid the foundation for an Atmanirbhar Bharat," he said.