Jamshedpur: Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar said the priority for the handloom sector is not only higher production but better incomes for weavers, calling for innovative designs, e-commerce expansion, quality output, skill upgrades and stronger youth participation.Addressing the 13th National Handloom Day celebrations organised by the Weavers Development and Research Organisation at Michael John Auditorium as chief guest, Gangwar said young people entering the industry would infuse fresh energy and create employment opportunities. He urged educational institutions, voluntary organisations, industries and the govt to build a supportive ecosystem for weavers and help the traditional industry flourish.Handloom in India, he said, is not merely fabric production but a symbol of the country’s civilisation, culture, traditions and self-reliance. He noted that Jharkhand’s tribal and rural regions have rich handloom and handicraft traditions.“Jharkhand’s Tasar silk enjoys a special reputation across the country for its superior quality, while the craftsmanship of its weavers is exceptional,” Gangwar said.He stressed the need to connect artisans with modern technology, innovative designs and effective marketing channels so their products reach national and international markets. He encouraged rural youth and women to take up handloom-related activities for self-reliance and appealed to people to use handloom products in daily life.“The objective was to recognise the skill, hard work, and invaluable contribution of the country’s weavers at the national level and to give the handloom sector a distinct identity,” the governor added.
