Lucknow: Handloom weavers and artisans honoured at the Sant Kabir State Handloom Awards in Lucknow on National Handloom Day on Friday said govt support and recognition had strengthened their confidence and helped them take their traditional work forward.Chief minister Yogi Adityanath presented awards and cheques to selected beneficiaries at Lok Bhawan, with awardees from different parts of the state speaking about the impact of govt schemes and incentives on their work.Varanasi-based Banarasi saree weaver Jamaluddin, who received an award for the first time, said the recognition was a proud moment and thanked the govt for its efforts to promote the handloom sector. He said several initiatives had been taken since 2017 to support the sector.Akeel Ahmed of Sitapur said being honoured by the CM was a matter of great satisfaction. He said changes in the sector had helped weavers pursue their work with greater confidence.Varanasi saree weaver Pyarelal said timely financial assistance had helped artisans sustain and expand their work, while the recognition had boosted their morale.Women artisans also spoke about the opportunities created for them. Meerabai of Lalitpur thanked the CM for inviting and honouring her, while Soni, a weaving artisan from Etawah, said efforts to promote women were having a positive impact on their work and progress.Roop Kishore of Hathras said the govt’s focus on handicrafts and handloom had encouraged artisans to continue developing their work. Shahnawaz Ahmed of Tanda, who makes gamchas, sarees and dupattas, said govt initiatives were helping strengthen his livelihood.The awardees said recognition alongside financial and other support had given weavers and artisans greater confidence to carry their traditional crafts forward.
