PM Modi unveils repository for Indian Textiles & Crafts

The e-portal is set to be a valuable resource for individuals interested in exploring and comprehending India’s clothing traditions.

Prime Minsiter Narendra  Modi launched the e-portal ‘Bhartiya Vastra evam Shilp Kosh – A Repository of Textiles and Crafts’ on the occasion of National Handloom Day at New Delhi.

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles, had developed this portal. Its purpose was to establish an extensive collection of India’s diverse clothing on a unified platform. The Prime Minister, while addressing the gathering, underscored the fact that India’s rich array of clothing and textiles reflects the nation’s dynamic cultural heritage. He further emphasised the significance of safeguarding and commemorating this multiplicity.

He mentioned, “I had previously conceptualised the idea of compiling and centralising the variety in our clothing onto a single platform. I am pleased to witness that this concept has been realised through the introduction of this portal.” The e-portal is set to be a valuable resource for individuals interested in exploring and comprehending India’s clothing traditions. It encompasses a craft atlas, a presentation of cultural artifacts, and a visual museum, among other features.

During the event, the Prime Minister also shared that the turnover of khadi and village industries had surged to over Rs 1.3 lakh crore, a significant increase from around Rs 30,000 crore nine years earlier. He noted, “With the ethos of Vocal for Local, citizens have wholeheartedly embraced the purchase of indigenous products, transforming it into a mass movement.” In his discourse, he elaborated on various governmental initiatives designed to foster cottage industries and handlooms. These initiatives encompassed the ‘One District One Product’ scheme, the Government e-Marketplace, the Mudra Yojana, and skill training programs, among others.