President to Honour 2 AP Handloom Aawardees
The awards will be presented in the presence of Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh
VISAKHAPATNAM: Two handloom artisans from Andhra Pradesh will receive the National Handloom Awards from the President Droupadi Murmu at the National Handloom Day celebrations in New Delhi on August 7, bringing national recognition to the state's rich weaving tradition.
Among the 22 awardees this year is Murakala Nataraju of Alikam in Srikakulam district. Renowned for weaving cotton, tussar, half-and-half and Jamdani sarees, Nataraju has been recognised for preserving traditional weaving techniques while adapting them to contemporary designs.
The second awardee is N. Venkateswara Rao, associated with the Andhra Pradesh Marketing of Handloom Products at Venkatagiri in Tirupati district. His contribution to promoting and marketing Venkatagiri handloom products has helped sustain the town's long-standing reputation as a centre of fine weaving.
The awards will be presented in the presence of Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, senior officials, master weavers, designers, exporters and artisans.
This year's honours comprise three Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards, recognising excellence in weaving, innovation, design development, marketing and other contributions to the handloom sector.