Balangir,Sept 7 [UDN}:: Handloom and handicrafts are the soul of our cultural heritage, and weavers and artisans are the bearers of our rich traditions. The government is committed to improving their livelihoods, strengthening the rural economy and preserving the state’s rich heritage.
Emphasising the promotion and wider use of indigenous products, the departmental minister appealed to people to use handloom products as much as possible. He made these remarks while addressing a stakeholder consultation workshop organised on Friday for the development of the handloom, textile and handicraft sectors.
The workshop was organised with the objective of further strengthening the state’s traditional handloom and handicraft sectors, increasing the income of weavers and artisans, and connecting their products with modern markets.
Efforts Underway to Take Odisha’s Handloom and Handicraft Products to International Markets: Dr Mukesh Mahaling
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling attended the programme as the chief guest. He said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, various schemes and initiatives are being implemented for the development and welfare of weavers and artisans.
He said that the government is working to take Odisha’s handloom, textile and handicraft products to markets across the country and abroad. He added that encouraging people to use and wear locally produced handloom fabrics would help strengthen the economic condition of weavers.
Dr Mahaling further said that if the younger generation takes an interest in the textile sector and works with new designs and innovative ideas, the industry will witness greater market potential and increased employment opportunities.
Balangir Lok Sabha MP Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo and Chairman of the District Planning Board and Kantabanji MLA Laxman Bag attended the programme as distinguished guests.
Others present on the dais included the departmental Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, District Collector Gaurav Shivaji Isalwar and Padma Shri Kailash Chandra Meher.
On the occasion, Balangir industrialist Arun Agrawal and several other stakeholders were felicitated. Under various government schemes, assistance was provided to five weavers and five artisans.
Videos showcasing success stories from Odisha’s handloom sector were also screened during the workshop. Weavers and artisans from Balangir, Kalahandi, Boudh and Subarnapur districts participated in the programme.
Before the workshop, the guests visited a handloom exhibition and interacted with artisans. Director of the Handloom and Textiles Department, Suryanarayan Pattnaik, proposed the vote of thanks.
Promoting the use of handwoven fabrics will strengthen the economic condition of weavers and help preserve Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.
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