# 12th National Handloom Day Celebrated Across India as Shashi Tharoor Highlights Employment and Female Workforce Role

> India observed its 12th National Handloom Day on August 7. Leader Shashi Tharoor highlighted the sector's scale, noting it employs 35 lakh workers with over 70 percent being women.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Leaders Speak · **Published:** 2026-08-07 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/neta-ji/12ven-rashtriya-hathakaragha-divasa-para-desha-bhara-men-ayojana-shashi-tharura-ne-rekhankita-kie-rojagara-aura-mahila-bhagidari-k-14885 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** ShashiTharoor

India celebrated its 12th National Handloom Day on August 7, 2026, honoring the country's rich weaving heritage, craftsmanship, and textile traditions. Organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Textiles, events took place nationwide to highlight the socio-economic importance of handloom weavers and sustainable fashion.

## Shashi Tharoor Shares Key Industry Insights

Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor shared a detailed message on social media platform X, drawing attention to the vital role of the handloom sector. He noted that handlooms represent India's largest cottage industry, offering employment to around 35 lakh workers. Highlighting gender inclusion, he emphasized that over 70 percent of these artisans are women. With the global community increasingly focusing on sustainability, authenticity, and resilient supply chains, he stressed that supporting traditional handloom craftsmanship is crucial.

## National Celebrations and Awards

As part of the official celebrations, President Droupadi Murmu felicitated outstanding weavers with the Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised the dedication, skill, and creativity of the nation's weaving community. Regional events and exhibitions were hosted at locations including Gujarat, Shilparamam in Hyderabad, and Tripura University.

## Public Reaction

Netizens and policy observers responded to the discussion with varied perspectives on social media. Several users suggested that artisans need active marketing support and sales promotion rather than just financial subsidies. Others raised concerns regarding taxation on handmade items compared to automated production, emphasizing the need for affordable handloom goods and better market access for traditional weavers.

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## What this means for you
**Across India:** Policy focus on handlooms helps safeguard livelihoods for 35 lakh weavers and strengthens rural cottage industries.

**For Consumers:** Greater support for authentic handlooms promotes eco-friendly fashion and accessible sustainable textile choices.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. When is National Handloom Day celebrated in India?
National Handloom Day is celebrated every year in India on August 7.

### 2. How many people are employed in India's handloom sector?
India's handloom industry provides employment to approximately 35 lakh workers.

### 3. What is the proportion of women working in the handloom industry?
Women constitute over 70 percent of the total workforce in the handloom sector.

### 4. Which awards were presented on the 12th National Handloom Day?
President Droupadi Murmu presented the Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards 2025 to outstanding weavers.

## Leader Profile: Shashi Tharoor
- **Role:** Member of Parliament, Thiruvananthapuram
- **Born:** 9 March 1956, London, UK
- **Party:** Indian National Congress
- **Education:** PhD, Fletcher School, Tufts University

Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram since 2009, a former UN Under-Secretary-General, and an award-winning author of over 25 books.

### Political Career & Achievements
- UN Under-Secretary-General (2002–2007)
- MP, Thiruvananthapuram (since 2009)
- Minister of State for External Affairs (2009–2010)
- Chair, Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs
- Author of 25+ books; Sahitya Akademi Award winner

### Quick Facts
- Finished second in the 2006 race to become UN Secretary-General.
- Earned his PhD at age 22 — the youngest in the Fletcher School’s history.


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