National Handloom Day was celebrated with purpose and promise on August 5 at the Ramdia Library and Community Cultural Centre in Hajo Block, Kamrup, Assam, under the theme "Empowering Weavers, Preserving Heritage."
The event, organized by Aide et Action and supported by the SBI Foundation, was part of the latter's flagship grassroots entrepreneurship drive—SBIF LEAP: UDYAMEE. The initiative falls under the Foundation's broader Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme (LEAP) , which aims to drive sustainable economic growth and reduce poverty by promoting micro-entrepreneurship, building inclusive livelihood models, and uplifting local art, crafts, and marginalized communities.
Bridging Tradition and Opportunity
Hajo Block, known for its rich silk-weaving heritage, has long been home to artisans struggling with market access, pricing, and raw material shortages. Tuesday's event sought to change that. It brought together weavers, financial experts, and community leaders for a day of skill workshops, financial literacy sessions, and digital onboarding clinics.
An exhibition of handwoven mekhela chadors, gamochas, and contemporary textiles allowed artisans to sell their work on the spot.
Voices from the Ground
As Assam eyes a major expansion in textile exports, collaborations like the one between Aide et Action and the SBI Foundation are proving that cultural heritage and modern enterprise can go hand in hand.
For the weavers of Hajo, the message was clear: their looms are not just tools of tradition—they are engines of a resilient, prosperous future.
