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National Handloom Day was celebrated with pomp and grandeur by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International School of Textiles and Management (SVIPSTM) yesterday. The Director, Dr. P. Alli Rani, gave her valuable speech on the tradition of handloom legacy of India. She drew the attention of the youth community and asked them to come forward to contributing to the growth of the handloom sector. She also mentioned how the western world has now started recognizing the value of handloom products, for their beauty and sustainability. She also urged the students to allocate at least 10% of their clothing budget for procuring garments made of handloom.
Mrs. Anagha Ghaisas, Director of Saudamini Textiles, Pune, was the Chief Guest for this event. In her address, she explained how her journey from being a documentary filmmaker to becoming a handloom entrepreneur has changed the course of her life. She also said that the students of SVPISTM were lucky enough to understand the beautiful magic of weaving right from an early age. She asked the students to take an oath for imparting education on handloom, and take the onus of carrying this rich heritage of India on their shoulders.
Mr. Rathinavel, Senior Manager (Commercial) of NHDC who participated as the Guest of Honour spoke few invigorating words so as to make the students aware of the need for promotion of handloom products. He said that these products should be sold in premium prices, adding value and respect to the handloom industry. He also assured assistance to students from his side as far as promotion of handloom products in a systematic way was concerned. The Special Guest for the event saw Mr. Pramod Kumar Jhajharia, Director of Shristi Cotspin Pvt. Ltd, in his address, reiterated on the need for preserving the rich heritage of handloom industry, asking students to visit his company for any assistance.
Finally, to pay a tribute to the handloom weavers who have long been carrying the baton of this legacy in India, the college organized a fashion show in which the female students draped themselves in different handloom sarees to showcase the diverse cultural tapestry of India. These handloom sarees, taken almost from all parts of India, also captured the craftsmanship and meraki of the handloom weavers, who are constantly trying to thrive in the face of a strong dominance of other apparels in the market. In addition, different handloom products were showcased by the local NHDC and Khadi weavers.