Textile historian from USA appreciates Telangana weavers, State's welfare schemes

HYDERABAD: A textile historian from the United States, Kyra Zapf lauded Telangana's textile industry and handloom weavers for their Rick skills. She met State Handlooms and Textile Minister K.T. Rama Rao on Wednesday at Pragathi Bhavan as part of her research.

The historian, who received a Watson Foundation Grant for research on weaving, has authored several papers on the history of fabric. Kyra Zapf who visited nine countries as part of her study told KTR that she chose Telangana as her first destination in India. She thoroughly studied handloom clothes weaving and the situation of weavers in Pochampally, Siddipet, Sircilla, Jangaon, Narayanpet, Gadwal. The textile historian shared her important observations with minister KTR.

Kyra said that handloom weavers in the state take great pride in their craft, and their passion and commitment to the work surpasses what she had seen in other countries. The historian recognised the talent of the handloom weavers in this region and the welfare programmes offered to them by the Telangana Government.

She said that, unlike in other countries, weavers in the state are concentrated in certain pockets, which had advantages such as having their own brand. This helps in the marketing of their products. She said that the sustainable fabric used here, the culture and art had huge demand in western countries.

Observing that silk weaving in the state is limited to sarees, she suggested that it be expanded to weave other clothes as well, which would increase demand. She studied various aspects of the weavers' lives as part of her research. Kyra expressed surprise at the level of knowledge they had about the State government's welfare schemes and incentives. She said that every weaver is aware of the support extended by the State government.

KTR appreciated Kyra Zapf for conducting study by visiting several countries. He said that foreigners like her who do research can give unbiased and learned opinions, and that he would continue to take the inputs. As a Minister, he said, it helps in framing and amending public policy. The Minister said that the textile sector in the State which was once in crisis has started to thrive. He assured that more efforts would be put in to support the sector.

KTR felicitated Kyra Zapf and thanked her for understanding the textile sector in India.