National Handloom Day: Telangana CM, Governor salute state's weaving legacy
Synopsis
On National Handloom Day, Telangana's political spectrum — from the ruling Congress to the opposition BRS and the BJP-led Centre — converged in saluting the state's weavers. But beneath the greetings lies a quiet contest: who can credibly claim credit for protecting a community that has historically been economically vulnerable and electorally significant.
Key Takeaways
National Handloom Day was observed on 7 August , marking the anniversary of the Swadeshi Movement launched on 7 August 1905 .
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla highlighted Pochampally Ikat , Gadwal , Narayanpet , Sircilla , and Kothakota as pillars of Telangana's textile heritage.
CM Revanth Reddy said his government is implementing programmes to modernise production, expand marketing, and strengthen weaver livelihoods.
BRS Working President K.T.
Rama Rao credited the previous BRS government with reversing weaver migration through schemes including Chenetha Mitra and Nethanna Bhima .
Kishan Reddy recalled that PM Modi instituted National Handloom Day in 2015 to honour India's weaving community.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on 7 August extended greetings to the state's weaving community on National Handloom Day, celebrating the rich textile traditions of Telangana and calling for greater public support for handwoven products.
Governor's Message to Weavers
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla described handloom as 'a proud symbol of India's cultural heritage' and paid tribute to Telangana's artisans, whose 'dedication, skill and creativity have earned national recognition.' He specifically highlighted the renowned traditions of Pochampally Ikat, Gadwal, Narayanpet, Sircilla, and Kothakota as pillars of the state's textile legacy.
'Our weavers are the custodians of our culture. Their craftsmanship has preserved our heritage and brought lasting recognition to Telangana's handloom tradition,' Shukla said. He also urged citizens to actively choose handwoven products, reinforcing economic support for the weaving community.
CM Revanth Reddy on Government Initiatives
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy stated that handloom 'is a great legacy that showcases the splendour of Indian culture and traditions to the world.' He said his government is working toward honouring weavers' labour and artistry while simultaneously strengthening their livelihoods and developing the sector further.
Reddy noted that several programmes are underway to improve welfare for handloom workers, boost production efficiency through modern technology, expand marketing channels, and preserve traditional weaving arts. No specific financial outlay or scheme names were disclosed in his statement.
BRS Flags Weaver Welfare Under Previous Regime
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K.T. Rama Rao also greeted weavers on the occasion, while using the platform to highlight the party's record. He recalled that weavers in undivided Andhra Pradesh faced significant hardships and were compelled to migrate to other states in search of livelihood.
Rama Rao credited the previous BRS government with reversing that trend through schemes such as 'Chenetha Mitra', 'Nethanna Ku Cheyutha', 'Nethanna Bhima', the Bathukamma sarees distribution initiative, loan waivers, and pensions for weavers. 'The BRS Party will always remain committed to the welfare of the weavers and the all-round development of the handloom industry,' he added.
Union Minister Invokes Swadeshi Roots
Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy also extended greetings, linking the day to its historical origins. He recalled that National Handloom Day was instituted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 to commemorate the spirit of the Swadeshi Movement launched on 7 August 1905 — marking 120 years of that milestone.
'Let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting the handloom sector and strengthening the spirit of Vocal for Local as we move towards a Viksit Bharat,' Kishan Reddy said. The convergence of political voices across party lines underscores the enduring cultural and electoral salience of Telangana's weaving community.
Point of View
Where the weaving community is both economically marginalised and electorally significant. The simultaneous statements from the ruling Congress, opposition BRS, and the BJP-led Centre reflect a familiar pattern: each party claims custodianship of weavers' welfare while the sector's structural challenges — migration, stagnant incomes, competition from power looms — remain largely unaddressed. CM Revanth Reddy's statement conspicuously omits any specific financial commitments, while BRS's K.T. Rama Rao's claims about reversing weaver migration are unverified by independent data. The real measure of political intent will be the state budget allocation for the handloom sector, not the greetings issued on 7 August.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Handloom Day and why is it observed on 7 August?
National Handloom Day is observed on 7 August every year to honour India's weaving community and promote the country's handloom tradition. The date commemorates the launch of the Swadeshi Movement on 7 August 1905, and the day was instituted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015.
Which handloom traditions of Telangana were highlighted on this occasion?
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla specifically named Pochampally Ikat, Gadwal, Narayanpet, Sircilla, and Kothakota as the defining handloom traditions that reflect Telangana's rich textile legacy and have earned national recognition.
What did CM Revanth Reddy say about his government's plans for weavers?
CM Revanth Reddy said his government is working to honour weavers' artistry, strengthen their livelihoods, and develop the handloom sector. He mentioned programmes focused on welfare, modern technology for production efficiency, expanded marketing, and preservation of traditional arts, though no specific scheme names or financial figures were disclosed.
What schemes did BRS claim to have introduced for Telangana's weavers?
BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao credited the previous BRS government with schemes including Chenetha Mitra, Nethanna Ku Cheyutha, Nethanna Bhima, Bathukamma sarees distribution, loan waivers, and pensions. He claimed these initiatives reversed the migration of weavers that had occurred during the undivided Andhra Pradesh era.
Who else greeted weavers on National Handloom Day in Telangana?
Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy also extended greetings, invoking the Swadeshi Movement's legacy and calling on citizens to support the handloom sector in the spirit of 'Vocal for Local' as part of India's Viksit Bharat vision.
