Prime Minister Receives Traditional Mangalgiri Shawl on Handloom Day

In a ceremony marking National Handloom Day, MP Vijay Chintakayala handed Prime Minister Narendra Modi a hand‑woven Mangalgiri shawl, spotlighting Andhra Pradesh’s iconic textile art. The Prime Minister’s earlier remarks lauding the nation’s weavers and stressing self‑reliance set the backdrop for the exchange, which was witnessed by senior BJP leaders including the party president.

The Mangalgiri handloom is famed for its intricate motifs, fine yarns and GI certification, representing a lineage of craftsmanship that dates back centuries. By presenting the shawl at the nation’s highest office, Chintakayala sought to bring the state’s celebrated weaving tradition into the national limelight.

The event also underlined the state government’s proactive stance. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s administration has launched several support mechanisms—such as financial assistance, market exposure programs and branding drives—to secure the livelihoods of handloom artisans and preserve their cultural imprint.

Following the handover, the MP noted that the gesture was a collective honor for every weaver whose skill keeps traditional patterns alive. The encounter highlighted the ongoing advocacy of IT Minister and Mangalgiri MLA Nara Lokesh, whose "Nethannaku Seva" scheme allocates Rs 25,000 per year to each weaving family and has facilitated the creation of a dedicated weaving institute for skill development.