Bhubaneswar, Odisha: The two-day National Conference on Handlooms and Handicrafts concluded at Hotel Taj Vivanta, Bhubaneswar. There was active participation from representatives of all States and Union Territories. The event served as a dynamic platform for sharing knowledge, exchanging best practices, and shaping new strategies. The goal was to strengthen India’s handloom and handicraft sector.
Smt. Neelam Shammi Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, appreciated the collaborative spirit among participants. She called for stronger coordination between States and Central agencies. She emphasized the need for technology integration, cluster-based growth, and market diversification to ensure sustainable livelihoods during the National Conference on Handlooms and Handicrafts. Moreover, she urged the adoption of modern toolkits and online marketing. This would bridge the gap between artisans and government systems.
Delivering the valedictory address, Smt. Anu Garg, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha, highlighted the importance of blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. She stated that handlooms and handicrafts are not only the economic backbone of rural India but also its cultural identity. Therefore, she emphasized improving infrastructure, raw material supply, and artisan welfare through training and market support.
Furthermore, she called for bringing the younger generation into the sector through design exposure, exhibition calendars, and export promotion at the conference. This aims to enhance India’s global presence.
Meanwhile, Smt. Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department, Odisha, reaffirmed the State’s commitment to skill development, cluster support, digital empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods, which were key themes of the recent event.
Consequently, delegates from across India praised Odisha’s leadership in hosting the conference. They acknowledged its role in preserving heritage while promoting innovation in the handloom and handicraft industry through such national gatherings.
