On the 76th Republic Day, Shri Giriraj Singh, Hon. Minister of Textiles, felicitated 400 esteemed artisans, including Shilp Gurus, National Awardees, and Sant Kabir Awardees, during a grand event held at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi. The event celebrated the artisans’ invaluable contributions to India’s cultural heritage and economic progress.
Highlights of the Event:
Theme of Republic Day 2025:
The theme, “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Development), underscored India’s rich cultural legacy and its progressive journey over the years.
Special Guests at the Parade:
- 200 eminent artisans (100 handicraft artisans and 100 handloom weavers), along with their families, were invited as “Special Guests” for the Republic Day celebrations—a first-of-its-kind initiative.
- The invited artisans included Padma Shri recipients, Shilp Gurus, National Awardees, and Sant Kabir Awardees.
Activities and Experiences:
- Visit to PM Sangrahalaya:
On January 24, the guests explored the House of Democracy, experiencing the lives and works of India’s Prime Ministers and delving into the nation’s journey of pride, unity, and integrity. - Visit to the Craft Museum:
Following the celebrations, the artisans will visit the Craft Museum to witness a curated showcase of handicrafts and handloom masterpieces, exemplifying the dedication and skill of India’s artisans. - Role in Community Building:
- The artisans have significantly contributed to preserving traditional crafts by passing skills to future generations.
- Their efforts in employment generation within the Handloom and Handicraft sectors have played a pivotal role in nation-building.
Key Remarks from Shri Giriraj Singh:
- Historic Inclusion:
- The Hon. Minister highlighted that for the first time, awardee artisans and their families were invited to partake in Republic Day celebrations.
- Recognizing their contributions to India’s independence and heritage, he emphasized their right to witness such prestigious events.
- Support and Interaction:
- The Minister interacted with artisans who shared their experiences and benefits from initiatives like the SAMARTH training scheme.
- Artisans expressed the need for increased training opportunities and departmental centers to revive crafts and enhance their skills.
- Assurance for Artisans’ Welfare:
- Responding to Shri Abdul Jabbar Mohammad Khatri, a National Awardee from Kutch, Gujarat, the Minister pledged to address water scarcity impacting Ajrak printing. He assured support from the Panchayati Raj Ministry and the State Government upon receiving formal requests.
Government Support Initiatives:
- The Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) offers various assistance schemes, including financial aid of ₹8,000 per month for indigent artisans over 60 years.
- Artisans expressed their appreciation for these initiatives and requested expansion of marketing platforms and training centers for sustainable growth.
Conclusion:
This initiative by the Ministry of Textiles reflects its commitment to uplifting India’s artisans and integrating them into the nation’s pride. With enhanced training, marketing opportunities, and infrastructure, the handicraft and handloom sectors are poised for growth, ensuring artisans’ well-being and their crafts’ global recognition.
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