Designer Pays Tribute to PM Modi on National Handloom

Guwahati, August 7:On the occasion of National Handloom Day, Guwahati-based fashion designer Sanjukta Dutta paid a unique tribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by creating a handwoven angavastra featuring his image. The designer shared her creation on social media, calling it a personal gesture of gratitude to PM Modi for declaring August 7 as National Handloom Day a move she said gave long-overdue recognition to India’s weavers.

“As a humble tribute to the visionary leadership of Shri Narendra Modi... I express my heartfelt gratitude through the design of a handwoven angavastra featuring his image,” Dutta wrote on Facebook.

Meanwhile, PM Modi also marked the day by sharing an article by Union Minister Pabitra Margherita, highlighting India’s rich handloom legacy. “India is weaving a vibrant story of tradition, innovation, and empowerment,” the Prime Minister’s Office posted on X.

National Handloom Day commemorates the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905 and was first observed in 2015 following PM Modi’s announcement in Chennai. This year marks its 11th edition, with the main event being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, where the President of India is set to honour 24 awardees including five and 19 National Handloom Awardees  for their contribution to preserving India’s weaving traditions.

This year’s celebrations included a “Handloom Hackathon” organized by the Ministry of Textiles at IIT Delhi, drawing participation from students, technologists, and artisans to generate innovative solutions for the sector.

Across Assam and other parts of the country, local exhibitions, fairs, and campaigns are showcasing iconic weaves like gamusa, muga silk, and eri, celebrating the heritage and livelihood handloom provides to millions.

According to government data, over 35 lakh people are directly involved in handloom weaving in India nearly three-fourths of them women. India produces more than 95% of the world’s handwoven fabrics, with growing global demand from countries like the US, UAE, and across Europe.

National Handloom Day serves not just to celebrate exquisite weaves, but to honour the silent hands the weavers, dyers, and designers who keep India’s craft legacy alive.