To provide ongoing support and employment for the state’s handloom weavers, the Department of Handlooms and Textiles in Andhra Pradesh has announced a meaningful partnership with Aadyam Hand-Woven, an initiative by the Aditya Birla Group.
This collaboration highlights the government’s dedication to advancing the handloom sector, a cherished cultural tradition and source of livelihood for around 177,447 weavers across Andhra Pradesh.
The state’s handloom legacy spans generations, with each district producing unique fabrics that reflect rich craftsmanship. Among the 35 One District One Product (ODOP) handloom designs, four have earned prestigious Geographical Indication (G.I.) status: Uppada Jamdhani Sarees, Mangalagiri Sarees, Venkatagiri Sarees, and Dharmavaram Silk Sarees & Pavadas. These products exemplify Andhra Pradesh's artistic heritage and celebrate its vibrant culture.
This initiative follows the directives of the Hon'ble Chief Minister and the Hon'ble Minister for Handlooms and Textiles to uplift handloom weavers and broaden market access for their work. To achieve this, the Department of Handlooms and Textiles has been actively consulting with various organizations to establish impactful partnerships.
Through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), Aadyam Hand-Woven will collaborate with weaver communities in Uppada, Pulagurtha, Angara, Venkatagiri, and Kodumuru Gadwal under a continuous Loom Feed Model. This model is designed to secure stable and sustainable livelihoods for weavers, all while preserving traditional weaving techniques.
Aadyam Hand-Woven, an initiative by the Aditya Birla Group, is currently collaborating with three renowned weaving communities in India: Varanasi, Pochampally, and Bhuj. The brand’s mission is to establish a self-sustaining ecosystem for the country's finest artisans by supporting and promoting their crafts, ultimately improving their quality of life. Aadyam is dedicated to preserving the age-old weaving techniques that have been passed down through generations, while also showcasing these techniques to true connoisseurs of heritage craftsmanship.
To discuss the details of the upcoming Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a meeting has been scheduled by Smt. G. Rekha Rani, I.A.S., Commissioner of Handlooms & Textiles, Government of Andhra Pradesh, with Mr. Manish Saksena, Aadyam’s representative, along with the associated handloom weavers and departmental officials. The meeting will take place on November 14, 2024.
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