Two master weavers from Odisha will be felicitated by President Droupadi Murmu during the 12th National Handloom Day celebrations at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on Friday.
Ram Meher of Baragada has been selected for the Sant Kabir Handloom Award 2025, the country’s highest recognition for handloom craftsmanship, while Prafulla Kumar Sahoo of Jagatsinghpur will receive the National Handloom Award 2025. Both were chosen for their exceptional skill, innovation, and contribution to India’s handloom sector following a rigorous multi‑stage evaluation by expert panels.
A total of 22 awards — including three Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards — will be presented, honouring excellence in weaving, design, marketing, startups, and producer organisations under the Handloom Marketing Assistance component of the National Handloom Development Programme.
The Sant Kabir Award celebrates lifelong dedication and outstanding craftsmanship that preserve India’s traditional weaving heritage. The event will also feature the release of four commemorative postage stamps showcasing India’s diverse handloom traditions.
Observed annually on 7 August, National Handloom Day commemorates the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, which revived indigenous industries and continues to celebrate the artistry and resilience of India’s weaving community.
