In Shorts:
- President Droupadi Murmu presented 48 Shilp Guru and National Awards to master artisans for the years 2023 & 2024.
- The honours spotlight the sector’s role in preserving cultural heritage, empowering women & rural communities, and boosting sustainable economic growth.
- Government leaders emphasized handicrafts as central to the ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ vision, blending tradition with innovation.
In a resplendent ceremony at Vigyan Bhavan, the heart of India’s handicrafts sector beat with pride and recognition. President Droupadi Murmu, on December 9, 2025, bestowed the esteemed Shilp Guru and National Awards for 2023 and 2024, honouring the exceptional skill and dedication of master craftspersons, designers, and start-up ventures from across the nation.
The event, graced by Union Textiles Minister Shri Giriraj Singh, Minister of State Shri Pabitra Margherita, and senior ministry officials, was more than an award function. It was a profound acknowledgment of the artisans whom President Murmu described as the “living threads of India’s cultural tapestry.” In her address, she celebrated these individuals as true custodians of an artistic heritage that weaves together regional identity, spiritual symbolism, and collective memory.
A total of 48 awards were presented, spanning two award years. This included 12 Shilp Guru Awards and 36 National Awards, with special recognition for design innovation through collaborative efforts between designers and artisans. Notably, 20 of the awardees were women artisans, a testament to the sector’s role in fostering gender empowerment. The winners hailed from 18 states and 2 union territories, representing a breathtaking diversity of crafts—from Pattachitra painting and metalwork to cane & bamboo craft and handmade carpets.
President Murmu highlighted the timeless relevance of these crafts, noting that Indian artisans have masterfully balanced tradition with evolution. “They have preserved tradition not by resisting change but by embracing it with wisdom,” she stated, pointing out how the sector exemplifies sustainable practices that the world now urgently seeks. She emphasized that handicrafts are a vital pillar for rural employment, providing crucial livelihoods for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, thereby driving grassroots socio-economic development.
Echoing this sentiment, Union Minister Giriraj Singh underscored the sector’s irreplaceable role in India’s cultural and economic landscape. He positioned handicrafts at the core of the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision, contributing to economic prosperity, social inclusion, cultural preservation, and global competitiveness. The minister detailed ongoing initiatives, including support for natural fibres like Jute and Jalkumbhi, product diversification, and encouraging second-generation handicraft entrepreneurs.
The awards, an integral part of the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP), are designed as a once-in-a-lifetime honour to motivate artisans to continue their invaluable work. Minister Singh also reiterated the government’s commitment to the Prime Minister’s ‘Vocal for Local’ call, celebrating the global appeal of locally made Indian handicrafts.
Adding to the chorus of praise, the Minister of State for Textiles reflected on the emotional resonance of the crafts. “Handicrafts are not merely products. They are stories… the living heritage of our villages,” he said, capturing the essence of an artisan’s journey from quiet village courtyards to international acclaim.
The ceremony concluded with a sense of renewed commitment. Secretary (Textiles) Smt. Neelam Shami Rao expressed that such recognition serves as immense encouragement for the entire handicraft community, while Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) Smt. Amrit Raj extended gratitude for the leadership’s unwavering support. The event stood as a powerful reminder that in the skilled hands of India’s artisans lies not just the preservation of the past, but the crafting of a sustainable and culturally rich future.
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