PM Modi Hails Textile Sector As Pillar Of Self-Reliant India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 124th episode of his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, hailed India’s textile industry as a driving force behind the country’s cultural revival and economic empowerment. Emphasizing its impact on rural entrepreneurship and traditional crafts, he said the sector is creating thousands of opportunities for women and youth across the nation.
PM Modi revealed that over 3,000 textile start-ups are currently active in India, calling them a “powerful symbol of India’s cultural and economic resurgence.” He linked the growth of the sector with the broader Viksit Bharat vision, underlining its contribution to building an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
“The path to a developed India by 2047 runs through self-reliance. The biggest foundation of Atmanirbhar Bharat is Vocal for Local. Buy and promote only those products made in India, where an Indian has shed sweat,” the Prime Minister urged.
He noted that August 7, 2025, will mark 10 years of National Handloom Day, commemorating the Swadeshi Movement that began in 1905. Drawing parallels to the freedom struggle, he said, “Just as Khadi became a symbol of self-reliance back then, today handloom is emerging as the strength of new India.”
PM Modi also highlighted inspiring stories from India’s growing handloom community. Among them was Kavita Dhawale from Paithan village in Maharashtra, who started weaving Paithani sarees in a single room and now earns three times more with government support.
In Odisha’s Mayurbhanj, over 650 tribal women have revived the traditional Santhali saree, gaining both economic independence and social recognition. From Nalanda, Bihar, he shared the story of Naveen Kumar’s family, traditional weavers now embracing modern techniques. His children are studying handloom technology and collaborating with major textile brands.
“The textile sector is not just an industry, it’s a celebration of India’s diversity,” the Prime Minister said, applauding the contributions of village artisans, urban designers, and innovative start-up founders.
In addition to the textile sector, PM Modi touched upon notable developments in wildlife conservation and space research. He commended the first-ever AI-driven census of grassland birds at Kaziranga National Park in Assam, which identified 40 species using sound recording devices. He also praised astronaut Sudhanshu Shukla’s recent mission to the International Space Station, calling it a proud milestone for India’s space science community.
The Prime Minister concluded by reiterating his call for unity, self-reliance, and pride in Indian innovation and tradition, urging citizens to support indigenous products and the people behind them.
