From Pit Loom to Rooftop Frame: Nalanda’s Weaver Naveen Kumar Shines in PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’
New Delhi, July 27 (The Trending People):
In this month’s Mann Ki Baat radio address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded a humble handloom weaver from Bihar, triggering a wave of celebration across Nalanda’s weaving community. Naveen Kumar, a resident of Nepura village in Silav block, was singled out for praise for modernizing traditional weaving practices and inspiring rural artisans to adapt new technologies.
Modi’s recognition of Naveen Kumar has transformed the weaver into a local hero overnight. Villagers say his name is now on everyone’s lips, with many expressing renewed pride in their centuries-old craft.
PM Modi’s Words Spark a Rural Revival
In his address, PM Modi highlighted how Naveen adopted technological changes to improve the handloom business. The Prime Minister’s words struck a deep emotional chord with weavers across the country who have long remained unheard.
“Till date, no one has spoken to weavers directly like this. We are grateful and hopeful that our issues will now be addressed,” Naveen Kumar said while speaking to reporters. “Our family has been associated with this work since childhood.”
Naveen explained how he transitioned from traditional pit looms to modern frame looms provided under a Ministry of Textiles scheme. “Earlier we dug a pit to set up our loom, but now, thanks to the government project, we use frame looms that can even be installed on rooftops,” he added.
Weaving Progress with Education and Empowerment
Naveen also spoke about how government schemes have helped change lives. “The weavers' quota has made it possible for our children to study in top institutions like NIFT,” he said. “This is a positive step for our future generations.”
According to him, around 70–80 people, including women and children, are now involved in handloom weaving in Nepura village, showing how the art is not just surviving but thriving.
Weaver Kaluram, another artisan from the village, echoed the sentiment. “We are thankful to the Prime Minister. We hope he considers launching a pension scheme for aging weavers. It will secure our future,” he said.
The Struggles Behind the Craft
Despite the praise and optimism, challenges remain. Naveen highlighted the problem of delayed payments from government-linked outlets like the Upendra Maharathi Craft Research Institute. “Our garments are sent to malls in Delhi and Patna, but we are paid only after the items are sold. This delay makes it difficult for us to buy threads and sustain our households,” he explained.
The weavers hope that after this national spotlight, both central and state governments will take concrete steps to ensure timely payments and broader access to welfare schemes.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Prime Minister Modi’s shout-out to Naveen Kumar is more than a moment of personal glory—it’s a recognition of an entire community’s silent resilience. While technological upgrades and educational support have given rural weavers hope, persistent challenges like irregular payments continue to threaten their progress. It’s now up to policymakers to translate this symbolic acknowledgment into actionable support.