Hyderabad: A new showroom titled “Chitiki Looms”, established under the leadership of Vaishus Handlooms Handicrafts and Organic Producer Company Limited, was inaugurated in Manikonda by Telangana Government Principal Secretary Shailaja Rama iyer. The initiative aims to blend the rich legacy of Telangana handloom traditions with modern designs.
Speaking on the occasion, she appreciated the company owner, Vaishnavi, for being a NIFT student and for receiving training under the Prime Minister’s “Lakhpati Didi” program, describing it as a commendable achievement. She stated that the showroom is not meant solely for sales, as a live demo loom has also been installed to help customers understand the effort and artistry behind handloom products.
She explained that while machine-made work on power looms may be completed within hours, the same process on a traditional handloom can take at least five days. Only when customers witness this hard work firsthand can they truly value handloom products, she added. She highlighted the global demand for handmade crafts, particularly in Western countries.
The showroom features a unique collection showcasing Ikat, Gadwal, Kanchi, Dharmavaram, and other South Indian silks, combining painting and embroidery techniques in a visually appealing presentation. She praised the company for offering designs tailored to customer preferences.
Emphasizing the future of the handloom sector, she said that no matter how many incentives the government provides, the industry can thrive only if youth actively participate. With modern thinking and new technology, young people can ensure the sustainability and growth of the sector. She added that the government is working through MSME initiatives to upgrade technology and strengthen the handloom ecosystem, stressing the need for greater participation from the handloom community’s youth.
During the event, Handloom Development Commissioner Dr. S. Arun Kumar expressed happiness over the inauguration of the Chitiki Looms showroom. He noted that the company’s CEO Vaishnavi is not just an entrepreneur but also a NIFT graduate with deep knowledge of the handloom industry. He mentioned that the Government of India is implementing various schemes to promote the handloom sector, and as part of one such program, she received advanced training in Chennai.
He further stated that Vaishnavi’s background in the handloom community, along with her design education at NIFT and her selection under the Lakhpati Didi initiative, contributed to the formation of an exemplary producer company. He said that only when youth take up such responsibility will Indian handloom art achieve international recognition.
