Latest news with #MinistryofTextiles
News18
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Vaishali Shadangule Showcased ‘Handloom Couture' for the Ministry of Textiles on National Handloom Day
On National Handloom Day, Vaishali Shadangule paid tribute to India's weaving heritage with 'NAAD – The Sound of the Looms', blending couture, craft, and live artisan performances. Vaishali Shadangule Presented 'Handloom Couture' for the Ministry of Textiles on National Handloom Day On National Handloom Day, internationally acclaimed couturier Vaishali Shadangule became the only Indian designer to present a 'handloom couture' showcase for the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, with 'NAAD – The Sound of the Looms." The retrospective paid tribute to India's weavers, whose painstaking craftsmanship can take months to create a single garment, and highlighted the country's rich textile heritage on a global stage. Graced by Maharani of Baroda Radhika Raje Gaekwad, Dr. M Beena (Development Commissioner for Handlooms), and Smt. Neelam Shami Rao (Secretary of Textiles), the show featured 52 couture looks, larger-than-life textile installations, and live weaving by artisans — symbolically intertwining tradition with contemporary couture. ISVARI Jalandhar Jewellery House paired its heirloom 'artisanal edit,' each piece taking over 1,000 man-hours, with Vaishali S's silhouettes. Dr. M Beena noted, 'Handloom has been an integral part of India's rural livelihood, providing employment to over 35 lakh weavers and workers. Over 70% are women, making it vital from a social, economic, and gender lens. Vaishali's showcase is a step towards adapting these traditions for global markets." Vaishali S said, 'We showed the world that this work is made in India, not abroad. It is art, not just craft — hundreds of hours of handwork, 100% sustainable, and rooted in unique skills passed down for generations. Our mission is to put India on the global couture map." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sonalika Sahay (@sonalikasahay) ISVARI's Manik Jain added, 'These pieces use an ancient Indian craft exclusive to us. Every design takes over 1,000 man-hours because of the intricate Pichai work that makes jewellery flexible. We are bringing back heritage techniques into a contemporary space." Since 2001, Vaishali S has supported over 3,500 weaving families and explored more than 15 weaving techniques from states including Assam, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka. Through her showcases and Paris store, she continues to champion sustainable luxury and elevate Indian handlooms on the world stage. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Fashion Value Chain
6 hours ago
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Handloom in India: A Decade of Transformation (2015–2025)
Dr Vidhu Sekhar P, Assistant Professor, Department of Fashion Management Studies, National Institute of Fashion Technology, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India From the celebration of the first National Handloom Day in 2015 by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to global collaborations in 2025, Indian handloom has experienced a remarkable transformation. This decade has seen government policy initiatives, technological integration, new markets, and community engagement for a sustainable handloom journey. Handloom, an ancient craft of woven fabric, continues to draw audiences with its intricate designs, vibrant textures, and elegance. Right from the traditional Kasavu saris of Kerala in the south to the vibrant Banarasi fabrics of Uttar Pradesh or the Pashmina textiles of Kashmir, handloom has a pan-Indian presence in shaping the country's rich textile heritage. The history of handlooms in India dates back centuries to the Indus Valley Civilisation, with archaeological evidence of sophisticated textile production, showcasing the country's ancient expertise in weaving and fabric craftsmanship. Over time, the glimpses of the past handloom tradition have evolved into a vibrant and diverse textile heritage, reflecting India's regional uniqueness, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. Skilled weavers crafted exquisite fabrics for royalty, nobility, and everyday people, showcasing their mastery in the craft, showcasing luxurious textures that reflected the country's rich cultural diversity. Colonialism led to significant shifts in the handloom industry. As described in 'Weaving Histories: A Study of South India's Handloom Industry (1800-1960),' British rule disrupted the traditional connection between cotton cultivation, spinning, and weaving, impacting weavers who produced everyday fabrics. Until the 1980s, historians widely believed that the advent of power looms and British colonial policies led to a decline in India's handloom industry. The introduction of mechanised spinning and weaving technologies seemed to make traditional handloom practices obsolete. However, Morris D. Morris in 1963 challenged this narrative. Citing the 1951 census, which recorded ten million people employed in traditional industries, Morris argued that craft skills had remained resilient in South Asia. Contrary to expectations, the handloom industry thrived between 1900 and 1940, with handmade cloth and artisanal wages on the rise. This challenges the conventional narrative of decline and raises questions about the industry's resilience. Weaving as a livelihood remained anchored in the economic base of many small towns and contributed to the economic and social processes that formed modern India. This was the case especially for many regions in the country, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, coastal Andhra Pradesh, eastern Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and western Maharashtra. The above propositions highlight the complexity of India's handloom history and the need to reevaluate the impact of technological innovation on traditional industries like handloom and Khadi weaving. The handloom industry's cultural importance persists, even when it navigates difficulties. Undoubtedly, handloom is an integral part of India's economic and social landscape, supporting rural livelihoods and preserving textile traditions. The Modi government has initiated programs to revive and promote India's handloom sector, which supports the country's cultural and rural economy. Declaring August 7 as National Handloom Day in 2015 commemorates every year the Swadeshi Movement to honour weavers' craftsmanship while promoting handloom products across the country. Through schemes like the National Handloom Development Programme, Raw Material Supply Scheme, and Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme, the government provides financial assistance, technical support, and infrastructure development to boost weavers' competitiveness and sustainability. Initiatives like Vocal for Local and #MyProductMyPride campaigns promoted Indian handloom and Khadi products, while geo-tagging, GI tags, and onboarding weavers on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform enhanced market access. With over 25 lakh women employed in the sector, the government has always emphasised women's empowerment through self-help groups and cooperatives. Recognition via Design Resource Centres and Handloom Awards encouraged innovation and excellence among weavers. Despite these transformative shifts, this sector faces skilled worker attrition, inter-generational migration, and challenges in scaling up amidst competition and changing market trends. The quantitative achievements from rising exports, increased employment, and reasonable income are the motivating factors for the government to pursue new policy initiatives for the handloom to position itself as a global leader.
Fashion Value Chain
21 hours ago
- General
- Fashion Value Chain
WWI & Ministry of Textiles Mark National Handloom Day
Whistling Woods International (WWI), one of India's leading institutes for Film, Communication, and Creative Arts, joined forces with the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, to commemorate National Handloom Day with a vibrant and immersive celebration. The event honored India's centuries-old weaving traditions, blending cultural heritage with contemporary creative expression. Hosted at the WWI campus, the program served as both a tribute and a live learning platform for students, offering them a rare, hands-on experience of the art and intricacies of handloom weaving. Master weavers from diverse regions of India demonstrated their skills on heritage looms, guiding audiences through the process—from spinning raw yarn to creating intricate woven textiles. This live craft showcase gave students direct insight into the precision, patience, and artistry behind each fabric. Hemant Gupta, Deputy Director of Designs at the Weavers' Service Centre, explained the motivation behind the collaboration: 'We chose Whistling Woods International because it unites traditional craftsmanship with forward-looking design education. Engaging with young talent ensures India's handloom legacy remains both relevant and respected in the global design narrative.' The WWI community also gathered to watch a live broadcast of the Hon'ble President of India's address, which highlighted the significance of handlooms in preserving India's cultural identity and strengthening its rural economy. The message inspired attendees to view heritage not as a relic, but as a foundation for future creativity. The celebration culminated in a Handloom Fashion Showcase and a series of cultural performances. Fashion Design students presented contemporary silhouettes crafted entirely from traditional handloom fabrics, illustrating how age-old weaving techniques can be reinterpreted for modern aesthetics. The energy of the event was amplified by dynamic dance performances, symbolizing the rhythm, color, and spirit of India's artisanal traditions. WWI President Meghna Ghai Puri reflected on the day's significance: 'Every thread tells a story; every weave carries the soul of our nation's heritage. This extraordinary collaboration brought centuries of artistry alive for our students. When young designers learn directly from master craftsmen, they carry forward a cultural legacy that will inspire future generations.' By combining cultural immersion with academic engagement, this celebration underscored the role of institutions like WWI in safeguarding and revitalizing India's traditional arts within a modern, globally connected design ecosystem.
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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Textile ministry reopens PLI scheme for MMF, tech textiles till Aug 31
The Ministry of Textiles on Friday announced that it will invite fresh applications under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the textiles sector, following requests from industry stakeholders. 'In view of the requests from the industry stakeholders, the Ministry of Textiles has decided to reopen the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme portal for inviting fresh applications from interested companies under the PLI Scheme for Textiles for MMF apparel, MMF fabrics and products of technical textiles,' the ministry said in a statement. The application portal will remain open till 31 August. The announcement comes at a time when the United States (US) has imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports. A 25 per cent tariff took effect on 7 August, with an additional 25 per cent set to kick in from 28 August. Labour-intensive sectors such as textiles are expected to be among the worst hit. All terms and conditions, as notified earlier through the respective scheme guidelines, will continue to apply for the fresh round of applications. 'The Ministry urges all interested companies to take advantage of this opportunity and submit their applications within the specified period,' the statement added. The Centre had approved the PLI scheme for textiles in September 2021, with a budgetary outlay of ₹10,683 crore over five years, aimed at boosting the production of man-made fibre (MMF) apparel and fabrics, among other categories. So far, the Centre has approved 80 applicants under the scheme. During the current financial year, the government aims to disburse ₹500 crore as incentive under the PLI scheme. Over five years, the scheme is expected to attract fresh investments of more than ₹19,000 crore and create over 750,000 jobs. MMFs include viscose, polyester and acrylic, which are made from chemicals. Technical textiles, on the other hand, are new-age materials used in the production of personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, airbags and bulletproof vests, and also find applications in sectors such as aviation, defence and infrastructure. The textiles ministry had first released the scheme guidelines in December 2021. However, the government initially received only 64 applications, with total investment commitments of around ₹6,000 crore. Some industry players informed the government that they were hesitant to invest in the proposed textile categories due to lack of expertise. Since its launch, progress under the PLI scheme for textiles has been tepid. Last year, a Cabinet Secretary-led committee flagged the shortfall in investment progress during FY24 in three of the 14 PLI sectors, including textiles.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Govt reopens textiles PLI scheme portal to invite fresh applications
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The government has reopened the portal for inviting fresh applications under the performance-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for textiles sector , according to an official application portal will remain open till August 31."In view of the requests from the industry stake-holders, Ministry of Textiles has decided to reopen the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme portal for inviting fresh applications from interested companies under the PLI Scheme for Textiles for MMF Apparel, MMF Fabrics and products of Technical Textiles. The portal will remain open upto 31 August 2025," the statement terms and conditions, as notified earlier through the respective scheme guidelines, shall continue to apply for the fresh applications."Ministry urges all interested companies to take advantage of this opportunity and submit their applications within the specified period," the Textile Ministry statement too, the portal was re-opened for a specified period to accept applications under the September 2021, the Centre had approved the PLI scheme worth Rs 10,683 crore for textiles sector, including MMF (man-made fibre) apparel, MMF fabrics and ten segments/products of technical textiles to boost domestic manufacturing and exports.
