NIFT Gandhinagar observed National Handloom Day with a panel discussion on the potential of Indian handloom as a tool of cultural diplomacy and soft power.
Moderated by NIFT Associate Professor Dr Shubhangi Yadav, the discussion featured textile academic Reena Bhatia, textile artist Hansika Sharma, entrepreneur Megha Das and Lalan Palan founder Anand Shah.
NIFT Director Sameer Sood highlighted the importance of handloom in preserving traditional craftsmanship, supporting rural livelihoods, promoting sustainability and encouraging women’s economic participation.
Bhatia said Indian handloom has the potential to become a global lifestyle and fashion brand, but noted challenges such as low artisan incomes, a declining workforce and limited market access. She stressed the need for design innovation, technology adoption, digital traceability, stronger branding and international collaborations to take Indian handloom to global markets.