Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on young Indians to celebrate National Handloom Day by using social media trends to promote the country’s rich textile heritage and support traditional weaver communities. In a new Instagram Reel shared ahead of the occasion on August 7, Modi encouraged people to create “Get Ready With Me” (GRWM) videos featuring handloom outfits and share them with audiences worldwide.
The Prime Minister highlighted the historical importance of National Handloom Day, recalling that August 7, 1905, marked the beginning of the Swadeshi Movement, when Indians united to promote indigenous products and oppose British rule. He urged citizens to celebrate the day with the same enthusiasm shown during other popular occasions and recognize the value of locally made products.
Modi emphasized the significant role played by India’s weaving communities in preserving traditional craftsmanship. He said the day provides an opportunity to appreciate and support families who create handmade fabrics using skills passed down through generations.
India is home to a wide range of handloom traditions, with different regions producing unique textiles, designs, and weaving techniques. The Prime Minister highlighted this diversity and encouraged people to explore and embrace the variety of handloom products available across the country.
Connecting traditional crafts with modern digital platforms, Modi suggested that young people use the popular GRWM video format to showcase handloom clothing. He said such content could inspire more people to purchase handmade products and increase awareness about the efforts of artisans.
The Prime Minister stated that supporting handloom workers is an important part of building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India. He stressed that economic empowerment of small and vulnerable weaving families can help preserve India’s cultural heritage while creating sustainable livelihoods.
Modi urged citizens to purchase at least one handloom product, create content around it, and share it online so that the skills and creativity of Indian artisans can reach wider audiences both within the country and globally.
The initiative reflects an effort to combine India’s traditional industries with digital engagement, encouraging younger generations to participate in preserving cultural craftsmanship. Through social media campaigns and increased consumer support, the government aims to provide greater recognition and opportunities for the country’s handloom sector and the millions of artisans connected to it.
