Bhubaneswar, Oct 31: The National Conference on Handlooms & Handicrafts, organized by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, began today at Hotel Taj Vivanta, Bhubaneswar, celebrating India’s rich weaving traditions and exploring pathways for future growth.

The two-day event aims to empower artisans, promote India’s craft economy, and strengthen the handloom and handicraft sectors through knowledge sharing, innovation, market linkages, and collaboration among states.

Inaugural Session Highlights

Chief Secretary of Odisha, Manoj Ahuja inaugurated the conference. Speaking on the occasion, he highlighted India’s historic textile traditions and the need for innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in artisan communities. He also called for collaborative efforts to strengthen the sector nationally.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Textiles, including Veena Kumari Meena (DC, Handlooms) and Amrit Raj (DC, Handicrafts), outlined India’s strategic vision to elevate handlooms and handicrafts as global symbols of sustainable and inclusive development.

Also Read: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Explores Handloom Heritage in Berhampur

Odisha’s Commitment

Delivering the welcome address, Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department, Government of Odisha, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to empowering artisans through technology-driven initiatives that preserve tradition.

Thematic Sessions

Following the inauguration, a series of thematic sessions showcased best practices from various states, focusing on key areas such as market linkages, cluster development, infrastructure, welfare, skill enhancement, and raw material supply.

The first session, “Market Connect: Expanding Reach, Building Brands,” included presentations from Assam, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, showcasing successful models for artisan visibility and brand building.

Upcoming sessions will spotlight cluster-based development (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka), infrastructure and craft villages (Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Meghalaya, Nagaland), and welfare and skill development programmes (Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh).

Open House for Dialogue

The event will conclude with an Open House Discussion, providing a platform for direct interaction among policymakers, artisans, and stakeholders. This participatory dialogue aims to shape the future of India’s handloom and handicraft sectors through shared insights and collaborative planning.