Weavers of Banarasi handloom who have struggling for survival in a dwindling market, have got a shot in the arm with some of the country’s top designers such as Ritu Kumar, Rina Dhaka and Vanita Bose coming together on June 9 to lend them a hand.
The attempt to revive the dwindling market of Banarasi handloom products, including sarees, is the brainchild of BJP leader Shaina NC, who herself is a designer. She is being supported by the textile ministry and the Fashion Development Council of India (FDCI) in her efforts.
The designers and local weavers, including master weavers and manufacturers met at a hotel to discuss the issue. Apart from designers, representatives from online e-commerce sites like Amazon.com were also present in the meeting.
Textile minister Santosh Gangwar and development commissioner (handloom) Alok Kumar also attended the meeting called by the Banarasi Vastra Udyog Association (BVUA).
After the meeting, Shaina said she was confident that handloom products of Varanasi will get the much needed market for their revival.
The handloom that the Indian design and craft community are largely concerned with, are those that offer a set of traditionally-specialised textile skills. The idea is to design, manufacture and produce the best textiles in Varanasi under the Make in India initiative in an effort to boost employment.