29th January 2025 marked an important milestone in the growth of Odisha’s handloom sector. During the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, our Hon’ble Managing Director, Mr. Brahmananda Meher, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Odisha for the establishment of a Research and Development Centre along with a Trade Facilitation Centre for the Handloom Industry.
This initiative is envisioned as a significant step towards strengthening innovation, research, and market access within the handloom sector. The proposed centres will focus on encouraging product development, design innovation, skill enhancement, and better trade opportunities for handloom products, further supporting the growth and sustainability of Odisha’s textile ecosystem.
During the Utkarsh Odisha Expo held in Bhubaneswar, our Managing Director also addressed the distinguished gathering and served as the Keynote Speaker for the session titled “The Emerging Destination for Textile, Apparel and Handloom.”
The session was held in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Handlooms and Textiles, Shri Pradeep Bal Samanta, and brought together leaders from across the textile and apparel industry.
The discussion featured several eminent dignitaries, including Smt. Roop Rashi, IA&AS, Textile Commissioner, Government of India; Shri Ahamadeen Malik, CEO, MAS Holdings, Sri Lanka; Shri Updeep Singh Chatarth, Director & CEO, Welspun World; Shri Suraj Kalra, CEO, EPIC Group; Shri R. K. Vij, Advisor, Indorama Synthetics; Shri R. P. Goel, Advisor (Trade), Shahi Exports; and Smt. Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department, Government of Odisha.
The occasion reflected the growing recognition of Odisha as an emerging destination for textiles, apparel, and handloom innovation.
The MoU and participation in this significant conclave reaffirm Arundhati Bandhakala’s commitment to strengthening the handloom sector, fostering innovation, and creating new opportunities for artisans and the wider textile industry.
