New Delhi: In a bid to promote the country’s handloom industry and in keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on the revival of handloom and improving earnings of the handloom weavers, the University Grants Commission (UGC) on Tuesday asked all the universities to switch to handloom fabrics for ceremonial attire during their annual convocations.
In a letter to university vice-chancellors, UGC Secretary Prof. Manish R. Joshi said that many universities have already switched to handloom fabrics. “However, it is noted that some universities have still not changed their ceremonial dress code during the convocation,” he said.
“It is requested that the universities consider switching to handloom fabrics as ceremonial dress. The use of handloom fabrics would not only instil a sense of pride in being Indian but also promote the handloom industry in the country, which provides employment opportunities to many,” the letter added. The commission also asked the V-Cs to share the action taken in this regard, along with photographs and videos.
Notably, this is not the first time the UGC has made this request. Earlier, on July 15, 2015, it had urged universities to switch to handloom fabrics. This was followed by another reminder letter on June 7, 2019. In its 2015 letter, the UGC said, “Handloom fabric not only forms an integral part of our rich culture and heritage but also provides livelihood opportunities to lakhs of people living in the rural areas.”
It added, “Using ceremonial robes made out of handloom fabrics would not only give a sense of pride of being India but also be more comfortable in the hot and humid weather. Greater usage of handloom garments for apparel would promote the handloom industry in the country.”
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