The #IWearHandloom campaign has been launched on social networking sites to popularise handloom-made cloth and support the weaver community.

“#IWearHandloom is a campaign to show support to a community which weaves the diverse fabric of our nation's rich heritage and bring international fame to our nation. It is a tribute to women who contribute to 15 per cent of cloth production in India and 95 per cent of world handloom production, it is saying thank you for their hardwork and dedication for keeping our traditions alive,” Irani said in a Facebook post.

The minister posted a selfie wearing handwoven silk from Bihar, terming it her #IWearHandloom look.

“To show your support, upload a photo wearing handloom with #IWearHandloom and tag atleast 5 friends to upload his/her photo as well,” she stated.

Handloom industry is one of the top employment generators in India. It is estimated that around 43 lakh people are engaged in hand-weaving and allied activity across the country, with 78 per cent of them being women.

To revitalise the industry, designers like Gaurang Shah, Sabyasachi Mukherjee and others are working with weavers to ensure that traditional textiles attract greater attention and appreciation. The Lakme Fashion Week, for the past few editions, has been holding a dedicated National Textiles Day where designers showcase collections based on Indian weaves.

The latest effort by the textiles minister has received support from several high-profile personalities, who posted selfies wearing outfits made using handloom fabrics. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India