President Droupadi Murmu awarded the 2023–2024 National Handicrafts Awards, which were hosted at Vigyan Bhavan, at a lavish ceremony in New Delhi. This is an important celebration of India’s rich and varied craft traditions, with 31 exceptional artists and 11 Shilp Gurus from 21 states among the awardees. As part of the Handicraft Awards 2025, the Ministry of Textiles planned the event to take place at the beginning of National Handicrafts Week.
Among the prominent people in attendance were Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for Textiles & External Affairs; Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles; Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary (Textiles); and Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) of the Ministry of Textiles.The occasion emphasizes the government’s dedication to fostering craft-based industries and bolstering artisan livelihoods. “Our centuries-old handicraft tradition is well alive today due to the commitment of generations of artisans,” the President said during her speech. “Promoting this will include social empowerment and the goal of helping areas that are viewed as weaker.”
From the elaborate Pattachitra paintings of Odisha to the colorful tie-and-dye fabrics of Gujarat, the ancient Tarkashi woodwork of Rajasthan, and the exquisitely carved bamboo goods of Manipur, the beneficiaries represented a broad range of India’s well-known craft traditions. Innovation-driven modern interpretation, tribal art, and artisans who have conserved fading craft traditions were all acknowledged. Women artisans, young artists, and craftspeople with disabilities who have contributed to the survival and prosperity of India’s handcraft heritage were given special attention.
