Celebrating National Handloom Day, Department of Industries and Commerce, UT Ladakh organised a week-long exhibition of local products in Leh and Kargil from August 7. 
Over 30 local artisans, craftsperson, and entrepreneurs from Leh and 25 in Kargil are showcasing their products. 

The Swadeshi Movement which was launched on 7th August 1905 had encouraged indigenous industries and in particular handloom weavers. In 2015, the Govt. of India decided to designated August 7 every year, as National Handloom Day. The day is celebrated to honour the handloom community and acknowledge their contribution to India's socio-economic development. 

During the inaugural day in Leh, Lt. Governor, R K Mathur appreciated the Department of Industries and Commerce for organising multiple exhibitions, workshops, and events in their endeavor towards taking Ladakh’s handloom industry to newer heights. 

He stated that handloom has been an integral part of Ladakhi tradition and with the right-hand holding and encouragement, this sector holds the great economic potential to make Ladakh prosper. 
 
 He further stated that almost 70-80% of this sector witness women's involvement and providing the required impetus to this sector will encourage women to become self-reliant and financially independent. 

Advisor Ladakh, Umang Narula said that the Handloom has been an intrinsic part of the heritage and culture of Ladakh. He said that the world-famous pashmina has its roots in Ladakh and the new generation is moving away from this kind of livelihood, and the option to promote it must be explored. 

Advisor Narula further added that UT Administration has been focusing on upskilling design, skill improvement, and providing various marketing opportunities. He also appealed to the artisans to take benefit from various schemes like the Weaver Mudra scheme and others. He also emphasized creating awareness and empowering the artisans so that they are in a position to maximize their income.

Executive Councillor, Handloom, Ghulam Mehdi Ashoor said that this kind of exhibition will provide opportunities to the artisans to earn their livelihood through Handicraft and Handlooms sectors. He expressed hope that the UT administration will continue providing support to encourage the artisans and also expressed his appreciation to the Department for proving marketing opportunities in Delhi for the local artisans.

Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Saugat Biswas informed that the Department is exploring avenues to uplift the Handicraft & Handloom sector of Ladakh. He added that special emphasis is being given to products such as Pashmina, Yak wool, Camel wool, etc. and improvement in the complete value and supply chain is another major focus of the Department. He informed that the process of Geographical Indicator (GI) tagging for pashmina is in its completion stage.
 
He also informed that the Department is focussing on branding and advertising of the produce of Ladakh, which is presently not known to the mainland.

Highlighting the initiatives, Biswas added that they have already tied up with national-level institutions such as National Institute for Fashion Technology, NID Ahmedabad, Central Leather Research Institute, Wool Research Association, and others for establishing high-quality production, storage, packaging, etc. Director, Industries and Commerce Department, Ladakh, Moses Kunzang said that UT Ladakh is celebrating Handlooms Day for the first time both in Leh and Kargil districts. He informed about various training programs being carried out by the Department in different villages of Ladakh.