Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla rallied for the protection of Manipur's handloom goods on August 7. He attended the National Handloom Day 2026 event in Imphal. The Department of Textiles, Commerce and Industry hosted the gathering. They chose the theme Threads of Tradition: Weaving Culture Through Handloom. It showcased the local weaving heritage.
Bhalla dropped a new Data Book on Handloom during the ceremony. He also unveiled a coffee table book called Threads of Heritage: Traditional and GI-Tagged Handwoven Stoles of Manipur. The Governor handed out State Awards to top weavers and artisans for 2025-26. He also gave out financial aid packages. Judges honored winners of the Best Cluster Designer Award for Home Furnishing from the National Handloom Designers and Conclave 2026.
The Governor spoke clearly about the stakes. "National Handloom Day is not only an occasion to honour the dedication of the state's weavers but also an opportunity to reaffirm the collective commitment to preserving, promoting and advancing Manipur's handloom sector for future generations." He argued that the sector drives the local economy and provides steady jobs.
Public awareness remains a top priority. Bhalla wants shoppers to recognize GI-tagged goods to stop counterfeits. He believes this boosts value in global markets. Supporting weavers sustains women-led development and keeps the state culture alive.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh joined the event. Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel and Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Bajpai also attended. A Padma Shri recipient sat among the guests. Various lawmakers, police brass, cooperative heads, and local weavers filled the room.
Comments