Government Committed to Giving Global Recognition to Kutch’s Traditional Handicrafts, Ajrakh Printing and Handloom: Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh

Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh, during his two-day visit to Kutch, today visited various handicraft and handloom centres in Kutch district of Gujarat. During the visit, he witnessed the rich traditional art, handicrafts, Ajrakh block printing and handloom heritage of Kutch and held discussions with local artisans, weavers, entrepreneurs, designers and exporters on the development prospects and challenges of the sector.

At the beginning of his visit, the Union Minister visited the Living and Learning Design Centre (LLDC) Craft Museum at Ajrakhpur in Bhuj Taluka. There, he explored the artefacts showcasing Kutch’s traditional handicrafts, craft techniques and rich art and culture, and gained insights into the region’s distinctive craft traditions.

Thereafter, Shri Singh participated in the ‘Shilp Samvad’ programme organised at the LLDC Auditorium. On this occasion, he held direct interactions with representatives of PCs, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), entrepreneurs, exporters, buyers, designers, award winners and MCP artisans. Discussions focused on important issues such as the overall development of the handicrafts sector, challenges faced by artisans, providing better market access for their products, enhancing export opportunities, and connecting traditional crafts with contemporary designs and the demands of global markets.

The Union Minister subsequently visited the workplace and residence of renowned Ajrakh artisan Dr. Ismail Khatri. He inspected the Ajrakh hand block printing unit and gathered information about the techniques and processes involved in this traditional art form, as well as the work of artisans. On this occasion, he also visited the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) operating under the ‘Chalo Ajrakhpur’ initiative and learned about its functioning and role in environmental conservation.

Thereafter, the Union Minister visited Bhujodi, the renowned handloom village in Bhuj Taluka. Here, he met distinguished award-winning personalities from the handloom sector, Shri Dayal Kudeja, Shri Chaman Premji and senior weaver Shri Vishram Valji. He gained insights into various traditional weaving techniques, the local craft heritage and the contribution of weavers.

During his Kutch visit, Shri Giriraj Singh also visited the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial and Museum in Bhuj. He explored the memorial and museum, which preserve the memories of the devastating earthquake of 2001, and paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the disaster.

The Union Minister of Textiles’ visit reflects the Government’s commitment to promoting Kutch’s traditional handicrafts, Ajrakh printing and handloom industry, and creating new opportunities for local artisans at the national and international levels.

The visit placed special emphasis on establishing direct engagement with traditional artisans and weavers, understanding their requirements, and exploring opportunities to strengthen market linkages, design innovation, skill development and export promotion in the handicrafts sector.