**Executive Summary**
On December 9, 2025, the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, presented the National Handicrafts Awards for the years 2023 and 2024 in New Delhi. The President highlighted the importance of the handicraft sector, noting its cultural significance, economic contribution to livelihood, and its potential for young entrepreneurs. She emphasized the sector's eco-friendliness and the need to strengthen the identity of Indian handicrafts through initiatives like GI tags and the ODOP program.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Handicrafts Sector Significance:**
* Handicrafts are a vital part of cultural identity and an important source of livelihood.
* The sector offers excellent opportunities for young entrepreneurs and designers.
* The sector employs over 3.2 million people in the country and promotes inclusive development by decentralizing employment and income.
* **Artisans and Tradition:**
* The vibrant handicraft tradition has been preserved through the commitment of artisans across generations.
* Artisans have adapted their art to changing times while maintaining the original spirit.
* **Social Empowerment and Women's Empowerment:**
* Promoting handicrafts is essential for social empowerment, especially for people from weaker sections.
* The development of the handicraft sector strengthens women's empowerment, with women comprising 68% of the workforce.
* **Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness:**
* The handicraft industry relies on natural and local resources, making it eco-friendly with a low-carbon footprint.
* **Geographical Indication (GI) Tag:**
* The GI tag is strengthening the identity of Indian handicraft products worldwide.
* Stakeholders are urged to obtain GI tags for their unique products.
* The One District One Product (ODOP) initiative strengthens the international recognition of regional handicraft products.
* **Growth and Potential:**
* Indian handicraft products have established their identity globally due to the knowledge and dedication of artisans.
* The demand for Indian handicrafts offers immense potential for growth.
**Impact Analysis**
**Artisans**
* **Impact:** Recognition and respect for their art; increased livelihood opportunities; benefits from GI tags and ODOP initiatives.
* **Action Required:** Continue adapting their art to contemporary times while preserving the original spirit; participate in GI tag and ODOP initiatives.
**Young Entrepreneurs and Designers**
* **Impact:** Opportunities to establish enterprises in the handicraft sector.
* **Action Required:** Develop innovative handicraft products; leverage government initiatives like GI tags and ODOP to enhance market access.
**Stakeholders (General)**
* **Impact:** Strengthened identity of Indian handicraft products, increased market access, and sustainable growth in the sector.
* **Action Required:** Work toward obtaining GI tags for unique products.
Key Entities Referenced
National Handicrafts Awards: Awards presented to recognize outstanding achievements in the handicraft sector.
Droupadi Murmu: President of India, who presented the National Handicrafts Awards.
Handicraft sector: The industry focused on the creation and production of handicrafts, supporting livelihoods and cultural identity.
One District One Product (ODOP) initiative: Initiative aimed at promoting the unique products of each district, enhancing international recognition of regional handicrafts.
GI tag: Geographical Indication tag, used to strengthen the identity and credibility of Indian handicraft products at the national and international level.
President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT OF INDIA PRESENTS NATIONAL
HANDICRAFTS AWARDS FOR THE YEARS 2023
AND 2024
HANDICRAFTS ARE NOT ONLY A PART OF OUR CULTURAL
IDENTITY BUT ALSO AN IMPORTANT SOURCE OF
LIVELIHOOD: PRESIDENT DROUPADI MURMU
HANDICRAFT SECTOR OFFERS EXCELLENT
OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS AND
DESIGNERS TO ESTABLISH ENTERPRISES: PRESIDENT
DROUPADI MURMU
प्रव तथ: 09 DEC 2025 2:19PM by PIB Delhi
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, presented National Handicrafts Awards for the years 2023
and 2024 in New Delhi today (December 9, 2025).
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that art reflects our memories of the past, experiences of the
present, and aspirations for the future. Humans have been expressing their emotions through painting or
sculpture since ancient times. Art connects people to culture. Art also connects people with each other.The President said that if our centuries-old handicraft tradition has remained vibrant and preserved, it is
due to the commitment of our artisans, generation after generation. Our artisans have adapted their art and
tradition to changing times, while keeping the original spirit alive. They have preserved the fragrance of
the country's soil in each of their artistic creations.
The President said that handicrafts are not only a part of our cultural identity but also an important source
of livelihood. This sector employs over 3.2 million people in the country. It is noteworthy that most of the
people who derive employment and income from handicrafts live in rural or remote areas. This sector
promotes inclusive development by decentralizing employment and income.The President said that promoting handicrafts is important for social empowerment, as this sector has
traditionally provided support to people from weaker sections. Handicrafts not only provide a means of
livelihood to artisans, but their art also gives them recognition and respect in society. She stated that the
development of this sector will also strengthen women's empowerment, as women comprise 68 percent of
the workforce in this sector.
The President said that the handicraft industry's greatest strength is its reliance on natural and local
resources. This industry is eco-friendly and has a low-carbon footprint. Today, the need for an eco-friendly
and sustainable lifestyle is being emphasized worldwide. In such a context, this sector can make a
significant contribution to sustainability.
The President was happy to note that the GI tag is strengthening the identity of the Indian handicraft
products across the world. She urged all stakeholders to work towards obtaining a GI tag for their unique
products. She said that the GI tag will give their products a unique identity and enhance their credibility at
the national and international level. She underlined that the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative is
also strengthening the international recognition of our regional handicraft products.
The President said that on the strength of the knowledge, dedication and hard work of our artisans
accumulated over generations, Indian handicraft products have established their identity across the world.
She underlined that the demand for Indian handicrafts offers immense potential for growth. She said that
this sector offers excellent opportunities for young entrepreneurs and designers to establish enterprises.
Please click here to see the President's Speech
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