Gandhinagar, 04 August 2023: In a celebration that intertwines art, culture, and history, the Ministry of Textiles is honouring traditional handloom artisans as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav—a celebration of India’s 75 years of Independence. The occasion serves as evidence of the government’s dedication to safeguarding and strengthening the rich tradition of handloom workmanship in the country. The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) students were instrumental in highlighting the tradition rich Tharad Cluster as part of the cluster initiative, which features a special partnership between the Ministry and the institute.
India’s handlooms in recent years have taken the global stage. We have seen dignitaries adorning our traditional looms during the recently, organised G20 Summit. It is the art that we must cherish, preserve and promote as much as possible. As proud Indians it is our responsibility to bring our artisans on a global platform, where in they can share their love and passion for the artform with millions of other people globally.
Tharad, located in the Banaskantha district in Gujarat, serves as the enchanting backdrop for the famous carpet weaving cluster. Knotted pile carpets produced without using any mechanical contrivance are artistically created by the weavers. The only tools used apart from the tradition loom include a knife for cutting the weft after the knots have been tied, an iron panja for beating in the weft and the pile tufts, and finally scissors for cutting the pile level.
The Ministry of Textiles, in collaboration with NIFT, recognised the immense talent and potential of the aspiring students in contributing to further strengthening India’s handloom legacy. As a part of their cluster initiative programme, NIFT Gandhinagar students engaged with the local artisans in the Tharad cluster. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, they witnessed the meticulous craftsmanship, experiencing the essence of this timeless art form first-hand.
As we approach National Handloom Day, the Ministry of Textiles celebrates the ingenuity and creativity of NIFT students, who have become torchbearers in illuminating India’s handloom legacy at the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’s Tharad Cluster. Their dedication and passion for preserving traditional crafts complement the government’s vision of fostering self-reliance and empowering local artisans. The Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav pays a fitting tribute to the skilled artisans and NIFT students, reinforcing India’s commitment to nurturing its invaluable handloom legacy and weaving a resplendent tapestry of tradition and modernity.
