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  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in Chennai on August 7 2015PIB
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi being received by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu J Jayalalithaa, on his arrival at Chennai, in Tamil Nadu on August 07, 2015PIB
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi launching the India Handloom brand, on the occasion of the National Handloom Day, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu on August 07, 2015. The Governor of Tamil Nadu, Dr. K. Rosaiah, the Minister of State for Textiles (Independent Charge), Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar and the Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Dr. S.K. Panda and other dignitaries are also seen.PIB
  • The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Handloom exhibition, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu on August 07, 2015. The Minister of State for Textiles (Independent Charge), Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar and the Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Dr. S.K. Panda are also seen.PIB

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first National Handloom Day at the Centenary Hall of Madras University in Chennai at a function organised by the Tamil Nadu government's textile ministry on Friday.

However, the focal point of Modi's visit to the city remained his meeting with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa that comes nearly eight months before the state goes to polls. He later visited comedian, editor and political satirist Cho Ramaswamy.

At the function, Modi also launched the "India Handloom" mark and conferred Sant Kabir Awards and National Awards for 2012, 2013 and 2014 to distinguished handloom personalities.

The Sant Kabir Award is presented since 2009 to distinguished handloom weavers who have contributed in keeping India's heritage alive for ages. Each award comprises a mounted gold coin, tamrapatra, shawl and a citation. A Sant Kabir awardee is also given a financial assistance of up to Rs 6 lakh to innovate and create 10 new products that boast of high level of excellence.

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1:04 pm: Government is committed to extend robust social security cover to weaver families: PM Narendra Modi

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12:53 pm: Crores of handloom weavers will go to see such films, automatically both will get their markets. : PM Modi about handloom fashion & films

12:52 pm: PM: Film industry has imp role in popularising fashion. Chennai has major film industry. Can film makers popularise handloom in 1 of 5 films

12:47 pm: Small efforts can bring a major change, for example Film industry has major role in popularizing fashion in India: PM Narendra Modi

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The date, 7 August, was chosen in view of its historic significance. On 7 August 1905, the formal proclamation for the Swadeshi Movement was made at a massive meeting at the Calcutta Town Hall.

The movement, started by Aurobindo Ghosh, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai and others, was aimed at reviving the Indian handloom industry by promoting domestic products and boycotting British products. It was also seen as an attempt to dethrone the ruling British empire.

However, the Modi-led government's aim is not revolutionary, but focused on giving a boost to the handloom industry of India and promote handloom as a genuine international product of good quality.

An exhibition showcasing master creations of the handloom experts has also been organised alongside the function.

Watch Modi Modi inaugurate the first National Handloom Day in Chennai.

(With ANI inputs)

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