Andhra Pradesh RS MP brought the state’s iconic GI-tagged handloom to Prime Minister, celebrating India’s weavers and Andhra’s rich textile heritage
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE
On a day dedicated to celebrating India’s rich handloom tradition, Andhra Pradesh’s renowned Mangalagiri handloom found a place at the country’s highest political office as Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Chintakayala presented a traditional hand-woven shawl to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of National Handloom Day. The national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Nitin Nabin, along with other senior leaders, was also present during the interaction.
The gesture resonated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s National Handloom Day message, in which he paid tribute to India’s weavers and artisans and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to strengthening the handloom sector as a driver of rural empowerment, women-led development and the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
By presenting the Prime Minister with a Mangalagiri handloom shawl, Chintakayala turned the national celebration into an opportunity to showcase one of Andhra Pradesh’s most celebrated traditional weaves before the country’s leadership.
Known for its distinctive craftsmanship and Geographical Indication (GI) status, Mangalagiri handloom represents generations of skilled artisans whose work continues to preserve one of India’s oldest weaving traditions.
The gesture also reflects the Andhra Pradesh government’s continued focus on promoting indigenous handlooms under the leadership of chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Through initiatives aimed at improving financial security, market access and recognition for artisans, the government has sought to strengthen the handloom sector while preserving its cultural legacy.
Speaking after the interaction, Chintakayala said, “Presenting the Mangalagiri handloom shawl to Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on National Handloom Day was a tribute to every weaver whose craftsmanship keeps our heritage alive. This recognition belongs to the artisan community of Andhra Pradesh.”
The gesture also reflects the continued efforts of Nara Lokesh, Minister for Information Technology and MLA from Mangalagiri, who has been promoting Mangalagiri handlooms through initiatives such as the Nethannaku Seva scheme, which provides Rs 25,000 in annual financial assistance to handloom weaver families, the establishment of a dedicated weavers’ school and sustained efforts to preserve and promote the region’s rich weaving heritage.
As India celebrated National Handloom Day, the traditional shawl from Mangalagiri carried a message beyond protocol: every hand-woven fabric represents the skill, perseverance and cultural identity of the artisans who create it and their work deserves recognition on the nation’s biggest platforms.
