Will President Murmu Confer Handicrafts Awards 2025 on December 9?
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Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Nov 5 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu is set to bestow the Handicrafts Awards 2025 on December 9, honoring outstanding master craftspersons for the years 2023 and 2024, according to a statement from the Ministry of Textiles released on Friday.
This prestigious event will take place at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, and is an essential component of the upcoming National Handicrafts Week festivities, commencing tomorrow.
According to the Ministry, “These esteemed national accolades celebrate unparalleled artistic brilliance and reinforce the government's steadfast dedication to safeguarding and promoting the nation's extensive handicraft heritage.”
Since their establishment in 1965, the National Handicrafts Awards have acknowledged exceptional artisans whose remarkable craftsmanship has enhanced the cultural fabric of the country.
The Shilp Guru Awards, initiated in 2002, represent the pinnacle of recognition in India's handicraft domain. These awards honor artisans who have showcased exceptional mastery and innovation in their craft, ensuring the perpetuation and advancement of India's diverse craft legacy.
The National Handicrafts Week, celebrated annually from December 8-14,
is intended “to pay tribute to India's artisans and honor the lasting cultural importance of handicrafts,” the Ministry stated.
This week will include a diverse array of activities and public engagements designed to raise awareness, bolster artisan livelihoods, and highlight the socio-economic significance of the sector in modern India.
Featured activities will include exhibitions showcasing remarkable craftsmanship, thematic workshops, capacity-building programs, craft demonstrations, panel discussions, outreach initiatives, and cultural performances.
The handicrafts sector is vital to India’s cultural and economic framework. It upholds age-old traditions, supports millions of livelihoods, especially in rural and semi-urban regions, and significantly contributes to the country’s export revenues.
The Ministry emphasized its ongoing commitment to supporting artisans through recognition, skill enhancement, technological advancements, financial empowerment, and improved access to both domestic and international markets.
Through these initiatives, the government aspires to further uplift India's handicraft legacy, strengthen artisan communities, and ensure the survival of the country’s traditional crafts in today's world.