National Conference on Handlooms & Handicrafts Showcases India’s Weaving Heritage, Future Vision

Bhubaneswar, Oct 31 : The two-day National Conference on Handlooms and Handicrafts commenced in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, highlighting India’s rich textile heritage and exploring new avenues for the growth and global recognition of the country’s craft sectors.

Organised by the Union Ministry of Textiles, the event brings together policymakers, artisans, entrepreneurs, and state representatives to deliberate on strategies for empowering artisans, strengthening market linkages, and promoting innovation within the handloom and handicraft ecosystem.

Inaugurating the conference, Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja underscored India’s illustrious textile legacy and called for sustained efforts to promote innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable livelihoods for artisan communities. “Our weaving and craft traditions are not just symbols of heritage, but living expressions of creativity and resilience. The focus must be on making these sectors globally competitive while preserving their authenticity,” he said.

Addressing the gathering, Veena Kumari Meena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), and Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, outlined India’s vision to enhance artisan welfare and position Indian handlooms and handicrafts as global benchmarks for sustainability and inclusive growth.

Delivering the welcome address, Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, Secretary, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department, Government of Odisha, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to integrating tradition with technology to empower weavers and artisans.

The conference features a series of thematic sessions focusing on market linkages, cluster development, infrastructure, welfare schemes, skill enhancement, and raw material supply. The first session, titled “Market Connect: Expanding Reach, Building Brands,” saw presentations from Assam, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, highlighting best practices in enhancing market access and visibility for local artisans.

Subsequent sessions will showcase successful models of cluster-based development from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka; infrastructure and craft village initiatives from Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Meghalaya, and Nagaland; and welfare and skill development programmes from Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Himachal Pradesh.

The conference will conclude with an Open House Discussion, providing an interactive platform for dialogue between policymakers, artisans, and stakeholders to chart a collaborative roadmap for the future of India’s handloom and handicraft sectors.