Panaji, August 7, 2026: The Women’s Wing of the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), in collaboration with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), celebrated National Handloom Day on Friday at the GCCI Surendrababu Timblo Convention Hall, Panaji.
Held under the theme “Honouring Tradition. Empowering Women. Weaving the Future,” the programme brought together women entrepreneurs and artisans to celebrate India’s rich handloom heritage and highlight the cultural and economic importance of traditional textiles.
Promoting Tradition Through Entrepreneurship
The keynote address was delivered by Verma D’Mello, Fashion Designer and Founder of NGO SUDHAROP, who spoke about the continuing relevance of traditional textiles and the need to promote Indian handloom through entrepreneurship, innovation and contemporary approaches.
D’Mello also highlighted opportunities for women participating in the programme, stating that she would offer work to the ladies in the Kunbi textile sphere, potentially creating new avenues for artisans and women entrepreneurs.
Her address emphasised the importance of connecting traditional craftsmanship with modern markets and creating sustainable opportunities for those involved in the handloom sector.
Handloom as Living Heritage
The programme was presided over by Rohan Bhandare, Honorary Secretary, GCCI, and Sandeep Dharkar, General Manager, NABARD. Deepali Naik, Director, Rural Development, was also present.
Earlier, Sandra Fernandes, Chairperson, Women’s Wing, GCCI, welcomed the gathering and highlighted that handloom is much more than textile production.
She described it as a living heritage carrying generations of knowledge, craftsmanship and cultural identity. She also stressed the need to preserve traditional weaving practices while creating greater opportunities for artisans and women entrepreneurs.
Women Artisans Showcase Handloom Products
A key attraction of the celebration was the display of handloom products by women artisans and entrepreneurs, who put up stalls showcasing their creations.
The initiative provided participants with an opportunity to showcase their products while encouraging greater awareness and appreciation of handwoven goods.
The organisers also highlighted the importance of supporting artisans and entrepreneurs who continue to preserve India’s handloom traditions through their skills and businesses.
Celebrating Women and Cultural Enterprise
The event brought together heritage, entrepreneurship and community participation, reinforcing the role women can play in keeping traditional crafts economically viable and culturally relevant.
Gouri Joshi, Vice Chair, GCCI Women’s Wing Committee, proposed the vote of thanks, while Adv. Abdrona Vaz e Valadares, Member, GCCI Women’s Wing Committee, compered the programme.
Lavanya Shet and CA Swatee Rane, Members of the Women’s Wing Committee, were also present.
The event was coordinated by Melane D. Rodrigues, Assistant Director, GCCI.
The celebration concluded on a lighter note with engaging games organised by Ambika Kamat Dhakenkar, Deputy Director, GCCI, adding to the festive spirit among participants.
The National Handloom Day programme served as a platform to celebrate India’s textile traditions while encouraging greater support for artisans, women entrepreneurs and the next generation of handloom enterprises.
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