‘Improve India's share in handloom trade'

Bangalore: 15/05/2009. Ujramma, Vice President National Weavers Commission greeting Dasimaiah National awardees Anand Dharawad, H N Ramakrishnaiah of Khadi and Villege Industries and Vishwanath K of Adishakti Handloom Weavers Self Employment Association organised by Desi Darmadarshi Association in Bangalore on 15th May, 2010. Photo: Bhagya Prakash K.

The Dasimaiah Handloom Awards for 2009-10 were given away at a ceremony organised by the Desi Trust at the Chitrakala Parishath here on Saturday.

Anand Dharwad, a textile engineer with expertise in natural dyes and fabrics, was honoured for his individual contribution, while Holenaraseepura Khadi Gramodyoga Sahakara Sangha from Hassan and Shri Adhishakti Swasahaya Sangha from Gajendragad in Gadag won in the institutional category of the award, formerly known as the Desi National Award.

The award comprises Rs. 40,000, an equal amount of market support, a citation and a bronze plaque of Gandhiji. Speaking on the occasion, Uzramma, former vice-chairperson of the National Handloom Development Board, said that India's share in the world handloom trade dipped to less than three per cent and people had to work towards changing this trend.

Ajai Kumar Singh, DG and IGP, spoke.

Film-maker M.S. Sathyu unveiled the specially designed posters popularising handloom and Charaka Foundation.