Microsoft India recently launched a new e-commerce platform, re-weave.in, for handloom weavers under Project ReWeave under its Philanthropies initiative. It helps artisans directly connect with buyers, helping them reach new markets, and hosts signature collections by weavers, showcasing traditional designs and products created from natural dyes.

This e-market place will help sell to a broad set of customers, raise weavers’ income, according to a press release from the company.

Microsoft, in association with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), has also curated a special curriculum in ‘CAD and Colour for Handloom Weaving’ to offer computer-assisted design training for handloom.

At a ceremony hosted at NIFT in Hyderabad, the first batch of 100 handloom weavers was awarded certificates for successful design course completion.

Digital empowerment centres have been steadily expanding to more weaver clusters. Microsoft inaugurated two new digital empowerment centres in Rajoli, Choutuppal and will open another centre shortly in Warangal and Siddipet clusters. The clusters of Pochampally, Gadwal and Narayanpet have been operational for some time now.

“With the introduction of our new e-commerce platform, digital empowerment centers and the new design curriculum, the weavers will be able to build on the rich handloom heritage of India and also reach out to a wider customer base. ReWeave ties very well into Microsoft’s mission to empower every person and every organization in the communities we work in by using Project Sangam, our Azure based technology solution and expertise to democratize opportunities and bridge the digital divide,” Anil Bhansali, managing director, research and development, for Microsoft India, said.

Project ReWeave also aims to help the weavers with working capital support through non-profit organisations. Weavers are trained in the use of natural dyes to enable them to make newer and sustainable handwoven products to meet the demands of the socially and environmentally aware consumer. (DS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

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