Tripura University (TU) celebrated the 12th National Handloom Week, promoting India’s textile heritage, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods. Officials encouraged students to explore handloom careers while highlighting government schemes, innovation, skill development, and global opportunities for traditional artisans and authentic Indian textiles.
Tripura University celebrated the 12th National Handloom Week on Tuesday with a vibrant programme highlighting India’s rich textile heritage while encouraging students to explore entrepreneurship and employment opportunities in the handloom sector. The event, organised by the Weavers’ Service Centre, Agartala, under the Ministry of Textiles, was held at the Conference Hall of Pariksha Bhawan and brought together academicians, government officials, and students to discuss the future of India’s traditional weaving industry.
The programme witnessed the presence of several distinguished dignitaries, including Tripura University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Debabrata Das, Registrar Samir Kumar Shil, and Ajit Sukla Das, Additional Secretary and Director of the Directorate of Handloom, Handicraft & Sericulture. Their participation reflected the growing importance of preserving traditional craftsmanship while aligning it with modern business opportunities and innovation.
Addressing the gathering, speakers emphasized that India’s handloom industry represents not only the country’s cultural identity but also offers immense potential for economic growth and sustainable employment. They highlighted the significant role played by Weavers’ Service Centres in strengthening the handloom ecosystem by preserving traditional weaving techniques, improving product quality, and supporting artisans through various government initiatives.
Officials informed participants that since its launch in 2015, the Weavers’ Service Centre initiative has expanded to 29 centres across the country. These centres regularly conduct awareness programmes in universities, educational institutions, and weaving clusters to educate young people about the value of India’s textile traditions and the opportunities available in the sector.
Students were encouraged to look beyond conventional career paths and consider the handloom industry as a promising avenue for entrepreneurship, innovation, and income generation. Speakers noted that with increasing global demand for authentic and sustainable textiles, Indian handloom products have immense export potential, creating new opportunities for skilled artisans and aspiring entrepreneurs.
An interactive quiz competition on handlooms and handicrafts added enthusiasm to the event. Students actively participated, demonstrating impressive knowledge about India’s diverse textile traditions, weaving techniques, and handicraft heritage.
The programme also highlighted several flagship schemes of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) designed to strengthen the sector. These included the Cluster Development Project, which provides financial assistance of up to Rs 2 crore per cluster for infrastructure and development. The India Handloom Brand initiative promotes premium-quality handloom products that meet environmental and quality standards, while the Handloom Mark assures consumers of the authenticity of genuine handloom products.
Officials also discussed the Weavers MUDRA Scheme, which offers concessional credit for working capital and term loans, enabling weavers to expand their businesses. Additionally, the E-Dhaga application was showcased as an innovative digital platform that provides weavers with easy access to yarn supply services, improving efficiency and reducing operational challenges.
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Concluding the programme, organisers expressed gratitude to the Tripura University administration for extending full support in hosting the event. They reiterated that preserving India’s traditional craftsmanship must go hand in hand with creating sustainable livelihoods for artisans. By promoting awareness among students and encouraging entrepreneurship, National Handloom Week continues to play a vital role in ensuring that India’s rich textile heritage remains vibrant while contributing to economic development and global recognition.
