HT Correspondent
ITANAGAR, August 7: Marking the celebration of National Handloom Day, the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt General KT Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM (Retd), extended heartfelt greetings to the weavers, artisans, and entrepreneurs of the State, acknowledging their vital role in preserving and promoting the enduring tradition of handloom weaving.
According to an official statement issued from the Raj Bhavan, the Governor paid special tribute to the hardworking women of Arunachal Pradesh who, through their craft and commitment, have remained the torchbearers of the State’s handloom legacy.
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Referring to these women as “custodians of a beautiful legacy,” the Governor lauded their efforts in keeping alive the vibrant textile traditions of the indigenous communities.
In his message, the Governor reiterated his consistent advocacy for the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement, underscoring the cultural and economic significance of the State’s handloom sector.
He described handloom weaving as more than a livelihood—calling it a “living tradition” that continues to shape the identity of Arunachal Pradesh.
He noted that this art is intricately embedded in the social fabric of the region, passed lovingly from one generation of women to the next, each pattern and motif bearing the signature of a distinct tribal culture.
Emphasising the emotional and historical weight behind each woven piece, the Governor remarked that every thread carries with it a story of resilience, creativity, and womanhood.
He called upon the people of the State to make a conscious and collective effort to safeguard this inheritance.
Preserving the handloom tradition, he said, is not only an act of cultural continuity but also a step towards realising the national vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
The Governor also used the occasion to appeal to the younger generation, particularly the educated women of the State, to take pride in the traditional weaving practices of their forebears.
In particular, he encouraged active participation from Self-Help Groups and the enterprising ‘Lakhpati Didis’—women achievers under government livelihood missions—urging them to see traditional weaving not merely as a craft, but as a powerful tool of personal empowerment and community upliftment.
“When our youth take pride in wearing and creating what is their own,” the Governor stated, “it uplifts an entire community.”
He stressed that the revival of traditional textiles must be seen not as a backward-looking practice, but as a forward-thinking affirmation of cultural identity, economic resilience, and women-led progress.
The official statement concluded by reinforcing the Governor’s commitment to promoting indigenous knowledge systems and fostering an environment in which Arunachal Pradesh’s artistic heritage can thrive through generational pride and institutional support.
National Handloom Day is observed annually across the country to recognise the contribution of India’s handloom weavers and to promote the use of hand-woven products.
In Arunachal Pradesh, where textiles form an integral part of tribal expression and identity, the day serves as a powerful reminder of the continuing relevance of traditional crafts in a modern economy.
