Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), inaugurated the 10th National Handloom Day exhibition at Main Market, Leh on August 7.

 LG inspected the stalls displaying spinning, weaving, knitting, wood carving, tailoring, silver filigree and pashmina products of the Handloom and Handicraft Departments, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Brand Ladakh and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

National Handloom Day is celebrated on 7th August to honour the handloom weavers and provide motivation and sense of pride to the handloom industry by appreciating their contribution to the cultural, traditional and economic landscape of the country. The celebrations aim to generate awareness about the importance of the handloom sector and its contribution to the socio-economic development of the country.

LG expressed his best wishes and commended the Department of Industries and Commerce for organising the event. He emphasised the significance of National Handloom Day and appreciated the participating artisans, stating that the event supports artisans in promoting their products. He highlighted the UT Administration’s commitment to showcasing achievers' products on national and international levels and encouraged local people to join the handloom industry to improve their economic and social status.

Highlighting Ladakh’s connection with pashmina, LG stated that brand pashmina is integral to Ladakh’s identity. He also stated that UT Administration has constructed around 1,000 pashmina kid pens to reduce the mortality rate of pashmina goat kids by 10 percent this year.

LG also stated that the UT Administration is committed to support the artisans to boost the Handloom Industries and urged the people to join and set targets to improve the Handloom Industry. He stated that two officers have been posted as Assistant Directors of Handloom and Handicraft Department in Leh to enhance the production of handloom and handicraft products in Ladakh. He said that next year when we meet for National Handloom Day, we should have ensured 25 percent enhancement in women empowerment. He also stated that UT Administration has established two Brand Ladakh showrooms in Leh and New Delhi to showcase and sell local products.

L-G urged the Department to visit remote areas and encourage the people to join the industry to boost their economy.