Lucknow, August 7: On the occasion of National Handloom Day, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel announced ongoing efforts to establish a Handicraft University in the state. This initiative aims to provide education, skill development, and new employment opportunities for weavers, artisans, and their children.
Patel emphasized the collaboration between the government and various organizations to give traditional crafts a global identity and strengthen the livelihoods of artisans. During the National Handloom Day celebrations held at the Raj Bhavan, she visited an exhibition showcasing handloom and handicraft products from weavers and artisans across 13 districts, including Baghpat, Varanasi, Bhadohi, Mirzapur, Barabanki, Azamgarh, Kanpur, Lucknow, Farrukhabad, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bijnor, Hapur, and Unnao, in partnership with NABARD.
She praised the quality, artistry, and traditional craftsmanship of the handmade textiles and products, encouraging the participants. The Governor engaged with weavers and artisans to understand issues related to marketing, sales, and livelihoods.
Patel noted that the ‘Crafts Roots’ organization is actively working to improve the economic conditions of artisans and resolve their issues. So far, 17 artisans have been awarded honorary D.Litt. degrees during convocation ceremonies at state universities, providing local crafts with new recognition and enhancing the respect for artisans.
Additionally, she highlighted the efforts of around 2,500 women associated with the ‘Green Army’ in Purvanchal, who are making significant contributions to environmental conservation and livelihood enhancement. These women are creating bags and other useful products from discarded textiles, supported by sewing machines to boost both sales and income.
Patel urged weavers and artisans to showcase their products at the flower exhibition held at Jan Bhawan during the first week of February each year, to reach a wider market and attract more buyers.
On this occasion, Anaraben Patel, founder of ‘Crafts Roots,’ shared that approximately 75,000 women across the country are engaged in handicraft and self-employment activities through the organization. They provide skill training and assist in marketing their products. She also mentioned that students from abroad come to the organization for internships to study Indian traditional crafts and handicrafts.
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