'Handloom crusaders' rewarded
It was for the first time that artisans came together on a common platform with fashion designers and other creative individuals who have contributed to the textile industry.
The last four and a half years have been transformational for Indian textiles. Industry-centric policies, technological innovations, strong R&D, and strategic market promotion have seen the sector growing exponentially and positioned Indian textiles as a most desirable and trusted brand on the global map.
To celebrate these achievements, the Ministry of Textiles organised 'Artisan Speak', a one-of-a-kind event that showcased India's glorious textiles and honoured the people behind them, at Lal Qila, Delhi on January 5, 2019. The event was held at the beautiful Sawan Pavilion, with Zafar Mahal in the distance.
The Union Minister for Textiles, Smriti Z Irani, presented 'Special Recognition Awards' to seven individuals and one organisation for their excellent work in the textile sector.
The Minister also honoured 13 master artisans for their dedication and unparalleled contribution to the handloom industry. This included six Padma Shri awardees and seven winners of the Sant Kabir Awards whose work has enriched India's textile legacy.
The Special Recognition Award – Technical Textiles was conferred upon ATIRA, a Government of India designated Center of Excellence. Award for the promotion of Handicraft and Textile Design was given to Sunil Sethi for his pursuit of the Made in India ideology and for working relentlessly for the elevation of Indian craft and the languishing handloom industry.
Ramesh Devangan of Champa, Chhattisgarh was honoured for developing the Buniyaad Reeling Machine for Silk Fibre. Kiran B Malali of the Central Silk Technological Research Institute, Central Silk Board was awarded for the development of Buniyaad Reeling Machine for silk fiber.
The Special Recognition Award – Cotton was presented to Suresh Kotak for his research and innovation over the last six decades whereas Dr Vijay Kumar was honoured for the release of 12 cotton hybrids and high yielding varieties including the Sankar Kapas Hybrid Cotton and 25 production technologies for farmers.
Mani Chinnaswamy, Founder Managing Director, Appachi Eco-Logic Cotton Pvt Ltd. was felicitated for his efforts at promoting 'Eco-Logic Cotton Contract Farming for Extra Long Staple Cotton'. Besides them, textile designer and conservationist Madhu Jain was awarded for her work with natural fibers.
This was followed by a beautifully choreographed show of gorgeous sarees and outfits created by six of India's top designers – Anita Dongre, Anju Modi, Gaurang Shah, Rahul Mishra, Rajesh Pratap Singh, and Rohit Bal – who are known for their passion for traditional textiles and craft.
The event was organised by the Fashion Design Council of India. Speaking about the event, FDCI president Sunil Sethi said: "This was an evening of firsts—the first time that such an event was held in the surreal setting of Red Fort; the first time that we paid tribute to India's top master weavers and crafts persons; and, most certainly, the first time that these artisans came together on a common platform with fashion designers and other creative individuals who have contributed so much to the textile industry. It was an honour for the FDCI to be associated with the Textile Ministry on Artisan Speak and to help organise an event of this nature."
