Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of National Handloom Day, Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the Handloom Fair “Ekta” at the local Janata Maidan today, declaring that handloom is a major pillar of Odia identity and a symbol of national pride.
The Chief Minister announced that renowned film actress Madhuri Dixit will serve as the brand ambassador for Odisha Handloom for one year, expressing hope that her association will boost the recognition of Odia handloom textiles in the global fashion industry.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister highlighted that over 1,30,000 weavers and auxiliary workers across 30 districts are directly involved in the handloom sector. He said the government’s aim is to improve the socio-economic condition of these weavers through the Handloom Development Scheme.
He also mentioned that at the recent Odisha Textile Conclave, 33 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, bringing an investment of Rs. 7,808 crore for the establishment of textile industries in the state, which is projected to create 53,300 employment opportunities.
The Chief Minister also spoke about infrastructure and institutional support, stating that the government is developing handloom parks with common facilities in Bargarh and Cuttack. He noted that over 40 master weavers of Odisha have received national awards for their excellence and innovation. To further promote the sector, the Chief Minister unveiled the Handloom Day mascot “Resha” and a short film on the handloom industry.
Famous film actress Madhuri Dixit, attending as the chief guest and brand ambassador, said that she feels the heartbeat of the weavers and considers the craft to be the identity of every Odia. She emphasized that handloom is not just a livelihood but an integral part of the state’s culture and lifestyle.
Minister for Handlooms, Textiles, Handicrafts and Cooperation Shri Pradeep Bala Samanta reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming the handloom industry into a modern, market-driven sector. He said that initiatives such as the Chief Minister’s Handloom Worker Honor Scheme and various industry fairs and grant schemes have been put in place for the development of handloom artisans.
The Handloom Fair “Ekta” will continue at Janata Maidan until August 13. The inauguration event was also attended by Development Commissioner, Smt. Anu Garg, Secretary Textiles and Handlooms, Smt. Guha Punam Tapas Kumar, and Director Textiles, Prem Chandra Chaudhary.