On the vibrant occasion of National Handloom Day, August 7th, 2023, the resplendent Anantaya Courtyard at Narayan Niwas in Jaipur was ablaze with the spirit of tradition, innovation, and unity. The event marked the debut of “We Love Handloom,” an exceptional initiative within the broader “We Love Handloom” series. This effort stands as a testament to the convergence of artisans, designers, industries, and institutions in a shared vision, a swadeshi movement that transcends time and celebrates the legacy of handloom craftsmanship.
The collaborative endeavor, spearheaded by CCWA, Khatu Designs, Anantya & AKFD, INTACH, Raghukul Trust, Rangotri ADIJ Association of Designers of Jaipur, and Shilpi Sansthan, Spandan Weavers Crafts, aims at the core goal of “Promoting Handlooms.” It’s a tribute to heritage and a commitment to preserving the craft that has woven India’s tapestry for centuries.
The event itself was an immersive experience that bridged generations, institutions, and perspectives. Esteemed office-bearers from diverse social, academic, and business spheres graced the event, engaging in open dialogues about the exquisite handloom garments they adorned. These discussions were guided by the wisdom of experts, who unravelled the intricacies of handloom techniques, connecting the past with the present and inspiring a vibrant future.
The vitality of the occasion extended beyond discussions, as over a hundred enthusiastic youths vowed to kindle a renewed passion for handloom within themselves and their communities. These young torchbearers embraced their role in preserving the rich tapestry of handcrafted artistry.
The heart of the event resonated with appreciation and recognition for the artisans, the hands behind the intricate beauty of handloom. Rajendra Verma, Sunita Verma, Ashish Jain, Durgashankar, and their fellow handloom artisans were felicitated with garments and certificates, a tangible embodiment of gratitude for their ceaseless dedication.
Diverse activities added color to the celebration, with a captivating Heritage and Handloom Quiz engaging and enlightening the attendees, fostering a deeper connection to the heritage and craft of handlooms. The quiz was a vessel for awareness, sailing the participants through the storied legacy of Indian handloom.
The gathering was graced by esteemed guests, including Mrs. Madhu Sharma, former State President Mahila Morcha BJP, as the chief guest, and Mr. Dhirendra and Kusam Madan, along with Pooja Sharma ‘Rekha’ from Mumbai, as special guests. The event witnessed a remarkable announcement from Mr. Dhirendra Madan of Mahima Group, unveiling plans for a Handicraft Village, a sanctum for the preservation and evolution of traditional crafts.
Mrs. Gitanjali and Mr. Ayush Kasliwal from Anantaya extended a warm welcome to all attendees, urging them to embrace indigenous clothing and join the Swadeshi Jagran movement. This call to action was sealed with an oath, uniting all present under the banner of tradition and self-reliance.
Meenakshi Singh of Khatu Designs cast a spell with her exclusive handloom collection, narrating stories woven into every thread. The significance of handlooms was further illuminated by Dr. Brij Ballabh from Shilpi Sansthan, painting a vivid picture of the present-day relevance of this age-old craft.
Kuldeep Panwar, an ambassador of ADIJ Jaipur, demystified the harmony between sustainability and handlooms, unveiling a world where the preservation of tradition goes hand in hand with a brighter future.
Vasumitra Shankar from CCWA infused the audience with vigor, championing the use of handlooms as a means to uphold intellectual property and advocate for the indomitable spirit of handcrafted artistry.
As the event concluded, the air was thick with inspiration, a shared commitment to upholding the legacy of handlooms, and a renewed dedication to the spirit of swadeshi. “We Love Handloom” was more than an event; it was a symphony of unity, a celebration of heritage, and a collective step towards a brighter, more sustainable future woven with the threads of tradition.