Assam's rich handloom tradition received national recognition on the occasion of the 12th National Handloom Day as four awardees from the state were honoured by President Droupadi Murmu at the National Handloom Awards 2025 ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi.
Among the recipients, renowned weaver Runima Chetiya Choudhury was conferred the prestigious Sant Kabir Handloom Award, the highest honour in India's handloom sector, for her exceptional craftsmanship in weaving Muga Silk Sarees. The award recognises outstanding contributions towards preserving and promoting India's traditional handloom heritage.
In addition to the Sant Kabir honour, Assam's Jyoti Bhuyan and Riti Doley received National Handloom Awards 2025 for their contributions to the handloom sector. Assam-based M/S Marvella Associates was also honoured under the Start-up Ventures/Producer Company category, recognising its role in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the state's handloom industry.
A total of three Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards were presented this year to outstanding weavers, designers, cooperatives and entrepreneurs from across the country. The awards recognise excellence in craftsmanship, innovation, design development, marketing and the preservation of India's diverse weaving traditions.
Addressing the gathering, President Droupadi Murmu described handloom as an integral part of India's civilisational journey and said the sector has preserved the country's regional diversity while generating employment, empowering women and promoting art, culture and sustainable living. She also emphasised the importance of adopting modern technology and improving market access through digital platforms to ensure the long-term growth of the sector.
Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh reaffirmed the Centre's commitment to strengthening the handloom ecosystem through policy support, technology adoption, design innovation, skill development and market promotion. Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita also highlighted the importance of innovation and youth participation in expanding opportunities for India's handloom industry.
Congratulating the award winners, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state's handloom heritage had once again brought glory to Assam. He extended his greetings to Runima Chetiya Choudhury, Jyoti Bhuyan, Riti Doley and M/S Marvella Associates for being honoured by the President.
"Every thread you weave carries a piece of Assam's identity. Today, the entire State celebrates you," the Chief Minister said in a message.
National Handloom Day is observed every year on August 7 to commemorate the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905. Instituted in 2015, the occasion recognises the contribution of India's handloom sector to the country's cultural heritage, rural livelihoods and sustainable development.
