Handloom needs a hand
Rotarians of D 3011 payed a fitting homage to the indigenous culture of Indian handlooms while adding glitz and glamour to the Annual Rotary District Foundation Ball. Dubbed as Tana – Bana, a cultural extravaganza organised by DG Ravi Choudhary and spouse Ritu in Gurugram, the event supported and promoted various Indian handlooms and its weavers.
The first Rotary Ball was organised by PDG Roopak Jain during his year as Governor (1996–97).
Highlighting the weaves from various States, the presidents, assistant governors and their spouses walked the ramp and presented a spectacular show. Talking about the ramp show DG Choudhary said “Rotarians and their spouses did a fantastic job in highlighting the core essence of traditional Indian textiles and their age-old legacy.”
This industry, besides showcasing the country’s impeccable skills and expertise to the world, is the second largest employment provider for rural India, after agriculture. Handlooms have a low carbon footprint, as they consume less infrastructure, power and other mechanical tools. “The entire business of fashion and fabrics revolves around the artisans and weavers. It is sad that the weaver community is fading. The need of the hour is to spread awareness and preserve the art form which may otherwise vanish without our support,” said Choudhary.
The show received appreciation for its concept, choreography and presentation. Emphasising the need to showcase the weaves of India, eminent Rotary leaders RID C Basker and TRF Trustee Sushil Gupta requested the DG to repeat the show at the next Zone Institute to be held in Chennai.
Pointing out that there’s hardly any need for one to glamourise Indian handlooms, the DG said, “It is sad that we have to promote the original richness of our own textiles. Our handloom industry needs our support and as Indian Rotarians, let’s do our bit.”
Khadi, mangalgiri cotton, tussar silk, ikkat, patola, kutchi embroidery, phulkari, paithani brocade, mekhela chador and muga silk were few of the handlooms showcased at the event.
