Highlight on role of handloom sector in socio-economic development

State Commissioner of Handloom and Textiles G. Rekha Rani on Thursday (August 7) stressed the importance of the handloom sector in the socio-economic development of the region.

After inaugurating National Handloom Day-2025 celebrations at Weavers Service Centre, Vijayawada, Ms. Rekha Rani said it was an occasion “to celebrate our rich weaving traditions, which showcase the creativity of our people.”

Besides Vijayawada, the Weavers’ Service Centre also organised five other programmes at Pedana handloom pocket in Krishna district, Mangalagiri in Guntur district, Venkatagiri in Tirupati district, Muramanda in East Godavari district and Isukapalli in Bapatla district, with weavers from the nearby clusters attending them.

As part of the celebration, a live telecast of the National Handloom Day celebrations in New Delhi was arranged. This year, three persons from Andhra Pradesh have been selected for awards in recognition of their talent. They include Lakka Srinivasulu from Venkatagiri, selected for Sant Kabir Award, and Karnati Murali from Palnadu and Jujare Nagaraju from Dharmavaram.

Department officials, master weavers and around 145 weavers participated in the celebrations. Joint Director (Handloom and Textiles) and General Manager, APCO, Vijayawada, M. Nageswara Rao, Joint Director (Handloom and Textiles) and Commissioner of Handloom and Textiles G. Raja Rao, Commercial National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC), Vijayawada, K. S. Sakode and others were present.