In the 124th episode of his 'Mann Ki Baat' address, Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi turned the spotlight on India's textile sector, declaring it as one of the country's core strengths and a critical pillar in achieving the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The address, broadcasted on July 28, 2025, comes just days before the country celebrates the 10th anniversary of National Handloom Day on August 7, a day rooted deeply in the Swadeshi movement of 1905.

PM Modi eloquently drew a historical connection between the freedom struggle and India’s current path toward self-reliance. He pointed out that Khadi, once a symbol of resistance against colonial rule, is now joined by an expansive and vibrant textile sector that is driving employment, innovation, and cultural preservation. The textile industry today, he noted, serves as a bridge between tradition and technology, between rural artisans and global markets.

One of the most powerful aspects of the Prime Minister’s speech was his focus on individual stories that embody this transformation. He highlighted the journey of Ms. Kavita Dhawale from Maharashtra, who started with limited means and now sells handwoven Paithani sarees independently, showcasing how grassroots entrepreneurship in textiles can change lives. Equally inspiring was his mention of tribal women in Odisha who have revived the Santhali saree, turning forgotten craftsmanship into a source of income and pride.

From Bihar, the story of Mr. Naveen Kumar’s family in Nalanda resonated with many. His family, deeply rooted in handloom traditions, has modernised their operations and now collaborates with leading Indian and international fashion brands, symbolising how tradition and innovation are no longer at odds, but rather co-exist to fuel sustainable growth.

According to the Prime Minister, the textile industry is among India’s most culturally rich and economically significant sectors. What sets this industry apart is its inclusive nature, encompassing:

• Rural women who weave age-old designs into modern aesthetics,

• Elderly weavers preserving generational artistry,

• Urban designers who reimagine traditional motifs for global fashion,

• And a new wave of youth-led textile start-ups, who are blending AI, sustainable fabrics, and digital retail to redefine Indian handlooms for the 21st century.

PM Modi stated that over 3,000 textile start-ups are currently operating in India, adding a fresh technological edge to an otherwise traditional industry. From e-commerce platforms to AI-powered design tools, these ventures are helping bring Indian textiles to global marketplaces, and more importantly, into the homes of everyday Indians.

The Prime Minister’s clarion call to citizens was to be "vocal for local" and to prioritise Indian-made goods in daily life. He emphasized that every purchase of a handwoven fabric or Indian apparel fuels rural employment, supports artisan families, and safeguards India’s cultural diversity.

He also connected this grassroots empowerment with the larger developmental vision of India@2047. As India approaches its centennial of independence, PM Modi reaffirmed that self-reliance, innovation, and local enterprise are the building blocks of a resilient economy. By investing in our own people and their skills, India not only creates jobs but also becomes a global voice for sustainable and inclusive growth.

National Handloom Day, as he described, is not just a ceremonial event. It is a reminder of India's journey — from resisting foreign dominance with indigenous threads to now redefining global fashion with the same timeless weaves. It also serves as a platform to honour weavers, raise awareness about their contribution to the economy, and encourage next-gen designers and entrepreneurs to take forward the legacy of Indian textiles.

PM Modi’s address comes at a time when the global apparel market is increasingly turning towards sustainable, ethical, and culturally rich fashion — areas where India holds natural strength. With increasing government support, rising consumer awareness, and global market shifts, India's textile industry is at a strategic inflection point.

Key government initiatives in this domain include:

• PM MITRA (Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) Parks, designed to create world-class industrial infrastructure.

• PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) schemes to promote domestic manufacturing and exports.

• Skill India programs that include specialized training for weavers and artisans.

• Geographical Indication (GI) tagging of local textiles to protect regional identities.

These initiatives have started yielding results. Textile exports have risen consistently over the past two years, and India has increased its share in value-added global apparel markets. The shift from being merely a fabric producer to a brand-origin country is underway.

In conclusion, PM Modi’s message was both an acknowledgment and a vision. By celebrating the textile sector in his Mann Ki Baat, he highlighted it as not just an economic contributor, but a cultural and emotional anchor of the Indian identity. The sector’s future lies in combining its rich legacy with modern business models, something that the new generation of Indian entrepreneurs is already embracing.

As India prepares to mark a decade of National Handloom Day, the message from the Prime Minister is clear: “Support your weaver. Wear your heritage. Build your nation.”

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