Gandhinagar, Aug 7 : Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel marked National Handloom Day on Friday by purchasing handloom products from the state-run Garvi Gurjari outlet in Gandhinagar, joining Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nationwide appeal to support India's handloom sector and rural artisans.
The visit came as part of National Handloom Day celebrations, during which the Prime Minister urged citizens to buy handloom products to strengthen the livelihoods of artisans and preserve India's traditional weaving heritage.
Patel responded to the appeal by purchasing locally made handloom products from Garvi Gurjari, an enterprise of the Gujarat State Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation.
During his visit, the Chief Minister interacted with employees of Garvi Gurjari and sought information about the range of handloom products available at the outlet.
Senior officials, including Chief Secretary M.K. Das and Gujarat State Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Managing Director and Secretary Ardra Agrawal, were present.
The Prime Minister's appeal on National Handloom Day was centred on encouraging the public to support rural artisans by choosing handloom products, in line with the broader 'Vocal for Local' initiative.
The initiative seeks to expand market opportunities for India's handloom and handicraft products while promoting the country's cultural heritage and strengthening the rural economy.
National Handloom Day has been observed every year on August 7 since 2015, following an initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The date commemorates the Swadeshi Movement, which began on August 7, 1905, during India's freedom struggle and encouraged the use of indigenous goods.
The annual observance is intended to recognise the contribution of the country's handloom weavers, promote traditional crafts and generate greater public awareness of the sector.
It also aims to improve economic opportunities for small and underprivileged artisans by encouraging consumers to purchase products made through India's handloom industry.
The Gujarat government's participation in this year's observance highlighted continued efforts to promote locally produced handloom goods while supporting the livelihoods of rural weaving communities in the state and across the country.
-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
