Agartala, 4th August 2026 : The 12th National Handloom Week was observed at Tripura University on Tuesday with a focus on creating awareness among students about India’s rich handloom and handicraft traditions and the economic opportunities available in the sector.
The programme was organised by the Weavers’ Service Centre, Agartala, under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, at the Conference Hall of Pariksha Bhawan, Tripura University. The event was attended by Tripura University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Debabrata Das, Registrar (V/C) Samir Kumar Shil, Ajit Sukla Das, IAS, Additional Secretary and Director of the Directorate of Handloom, Handicraft & Sericulture, Government of Tripura, and other dignitaries.
Speaking at the programme, the organisers highlighted the role of the Weavers’ Service Centre in promoting the handloom sector and preserving India’s traditional heritage. It was informed that the initiative was launched in 2015 and that 29 Weavers’ Service Centres are currently functioning across the country, organising awareness and promotional programmes at educational institutions, state and cluster levels.
The speakers stressed the need to encourage young people, particularly students, to understand the importance of handlooms and explore opportunities in the sector. Students could contribute either by becoming entrepreneurs or by promoting traditional Indian textiles and handicrafts in national and international markets, thereby generating employment and income.
The programme also featured a quiz competition on handlooms and handicrafts, designed to assess and enhance students’ knowledge of the sector. A large number of students participated and several demonstrated considerable awareness of India’s handloom traditions by giving impressive answers.
The organisers expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and officials of Tripura University for extending support towards the programme. The event concluded with an emphasis on preserving traditional craftsmanship while creating sustainable economic opportunities for weavers and artisans.
