Assam received four national honours at the Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards 2025, with President Droupadi Murmu presenting the awards during the 12th National Handloom Day celebrations on Friday.
Runima Chetiya Choudhury of Kamrup (Metro) led Assam’s achievements by winning the Sant Kabir Handloom Award in the Women Weavers category for her Muga Silk Saree. Assam was among just three states, along with Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, to receive the country’s highest handloom honour.
Three other Assam awardees received National Handloom Awards. Jyoti Bhuyan of Guwahati was recognised in the Women Weavers category for her Natural Dyed Eri Silk Saree, while Riti Doley of Majuli won in the Divyang Weaver category for her Silk Gero.
M/s Marvella Associates of Sualkuchi received the National Award for Start-up Ventures/Producer Company, highlighting the growing role of entrepreneurship in Assam’s handloom sector.
The awards have brought national recognition to Assam’s traditional Muga and Eri silk weaving heritage while highlighting innovation within the state’s textile industry.
From the Northeast, Takhellambam Rani Devi of Kakching, Manipur, received a National Handloom Award for her Shaphee Lanphee in Silk Innaphi. Shital Tamang of Sikkim was honoured in the Tribal Weaves category for Lepcha Daree.
President Murmu said handloom has been an integral part of India’s civilisational heritage and reflects the country’s cultural diversity. She emphasised the need to connect traditional weaving with contemporary design, branding and global markets to create new opportunities for entrepreneurs and designers.
A total of 22 master artisans, designers and organisations from across India were honoured. Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita congratulated the winners and praised their contribution to preserving India’s rich handloom traditions.
