New Delhi, India – July 27, 2025 – Ahead of the annual National Handloom Day, celebrated on August 7th, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 124th ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio address, drew a powerful parallel between the historical ‘Swadeshi Movement’ and India’s burgeoning textile sector. He highlighted how the textile industry is becoming a significant strength for the nation on its journey towards becoming a developed India.
“Another revolution started on the 7th of August 1905. The Swadeshi Movement lent a new energy to local products… especially handloom. To commemorate that, the country celebrates ‘National Handloom Day’ on the 7th of August every year. This year, 7th August marks the completion of 10 years of ‘National Handloom Day’,” PM Modi announced during his monthly broadcast.
He further elaborated on the historical significance, stating, “Just like our Khadi gave new strength to the freedom movement during the freedom struggle, today when the country is moving towards becoming a developed India, the textile sector is turning out to be the strength of the country.” The Swadeshi Movement, formally launched on August 7, 1905, at the Calcutta Town Hall, was a pivotal moment in India’s independence struggle, advocating for the boycott of foreign goods and the promotion of indigenous industries, with handloom playing a central role. The government formally declared August 7 as National Handloom Day in 2015, and the first celebration took place in Chennai.
The Prime Minister then narrated inspiring success stories from various parts of the country, illustrating how individuals and communities are revitalizing the textile sector through a blend of traditional skills and modern technology:
- Kavita Dhawale, Paithan, Maharashtra: PM Modi shared the story of Kavita Dhawale, a weaver from Paithan village. She received government assistance that helped her expand beyond a small room, allowing her skills to flourish. As a result, she is now earning three times more and is successfully selling her self-made Paithani sarees, a traditional silk saree known for its intricate weave.
- Mayurbhanj, Odisha: A similar success story emerged from Mayurbhanj, Odisha, where over 650 tribal women have collectively revived the traditional Santhali saree. These women are now earning thousands of rupees every month, not only creating beautiful textiles but also establishing their own identities and economic independence.
- Naveen Kumar, Nalanda, Bihar: The achievement of Naveen Kumar from Nalanda, Bihar, was highlighted as particularly inspiring. His family has been involved in handloom for generations, but what sets them apart is their embrace of modernity. His children are now studying handloom technology and are collaborating with large brands, demonstrating how traditional crafts can thrive through contemporary approaches and professional linkages. This transformation, the Prime Minister noted, is also positively impacting many other families in their vicinity.
PM Modi applauded the rapid growth in India’s textile and apparel industry, emphasizing its cultural diversity and the collaborative efforts driving its progress. “Textile is not just a sector of India. It is an example of our cultural diversity,” he said. He praised the combined efforts of “women from villages, designers from cities, elderly weavers and our youth who have began start-ups” for collectively propelling this growth.
The Prime Minister proudly announced that over 3,000 textile start-ups are currently active in India, many of which are elevating India’s handloom identity on a global scale. This surge in startups reflects the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive within the sector.
Reinforcing his vision for a self-reliant India by 2047, PM Modi reiterated the importance of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, stating that its biggest foundation is ‘Vocal for Local’. He urged citizens to make a conscious resolution: “Buy and sell only those things that are made in India, in which an Indian has shed sweat. This should be our resolve.”
National Handloom Day serves as a tribute to the invaluable contributions of handloom workers. It aims to instill pride and motivation within the handloom industry by underscoring its immense cultural, traditional, and economic significance. The nationwide celebration seeks to raise public awareness about the handloom sector’s crucial role in India’s socio-economic development and its potential as a global powerhouse of traditional craftsmanship.