On 7th August 2023, on the occasion of National Handloom Day, Chandraprabha Saikiani Centre for Women Studies, Tezpur University in collaboration with Tezpur Mahila Samiti,Tezpur District Mahila Samiti, and Department of Handloom and textiles, Sonitpuir
District organised a "Weaver's Meet" to honour the female weavers of Assam. Mrs. Manashi Dutta, president of Tezpur District Mahila Samiti began the program with an introductory speech on the history of Tezpur Mahila Samiti and how the organisation with the help of
Gandhi contributed to India's Swadeshi Movement.

After the introductory speech, the members of the Samiti presented an Assamese song accompanied with tabla and harmonium.

After, the song, the host invited the esteemed guests of the day.

The guest were Tezpur University's Vice Chancellor Professor Shambhu Nath Singh,the Master Trainer for weavers Srimati Runa Bora, President of Tezpur Mahila Samiti Srimati Anita Goswami, Dr. Mridul Dutta of Tezpur University and Dr. Madhurima Goswami, HOD
of Centre Of Women Studies of CSCWS, who were felicitated by the Samiti member.

The very first speaker was Tezpur University's VC, Professor Shambhu Nath Singh. Sir, talked about how on 7th August 2015 ,in Chennai, Prime Minister Narendra Damodar Modi established National Handloom Day to spread awareness about the importance of handloom industry to the Indian economy and culture. Sir, also talked about how weaving has a deep-rooted history with our fight for Independence against the British. He also talked about how this industry boost the Indian village economy and how it has made the Indian weaving women self-reliant.

The second speaker was Dr. Mridul Dutta,Tezpur University, who was one of the contributor which lead to the recognition of the Assamese Gamusa as the Geographical Identification of Assam. Sir, has brought great pride and glory to Assam. His work began from the year 2019-2020 and then talked about the types of Gamusa, about the laws and the pilot websites he has created ( www.gamusha.org) and ( www.hipini.in)

The third speaker was the Master Trainer of Weavers Srimati Runa Bora. The Master weaver was excited about the event and shared how her family is a generation of weavers, and how she got into the weaving culture. She shared about her hardships and how she bloomed to the person she is today. Today, she helps village women to be self-reliant, self-sufficient. She was proud of herself for empowering about 130 women and wishes more weavers the same,to be the best version of themselves.

The Master Trainer also contributed to Dr.Mridul Dutta's project.

The event was blessed with the sudden presence of the District Handloom Officer Shri. Prashanta Rompi, who was felicitated by Srimati Monika Gohain. Shri Rompi, began his speech by talking about how the National Handloom Day came into being, and about the government initiatives to uplift and empower the amazing women engaged in the weaving industry. Shri Rompi also talked about the government initiatives of loan and insurances provided to the female weavers of Assam.

The fifth speaker was Srimati Neeta Nangia Goswami, President of Tezpur Mahila Samiti. She talked about how weavers and handloom were powerful tools for the fight for Independence and how it has celebrated with Azadi ka Mahotsav. The President also talked about how to carry on the mission further to empower the weavers of Assam. She also, shared the news which ruptured thunder applause that each co-operate weaver of the society would be a shareholder, leading the weaver audience feel a sense of pride and glory.

Tezpur University's Vice Chancellor Professor Shambhu Nath Singh handed a share to each weaver. Followed by the speech of two weavers Srimati Madhori Bora and Bina Milli. Both the weavers spoke with great pride about their art and culture leaving a strong impact on the audience.

The very last speaker was Tezpur University’s Dr. Madhurima Goswami, HOD of Centre of Women Studies. She showered the weavers with encouraging words, as well as how the weaving scenario changed, despite that, the Assamese female weavers are soaring great heights in spite of the challenges they are thrown at.

Preserving the Assamese weaving culture, is a huge responsibility of the weavers, the state government and the people of Assam, the Assamese mekhla chador is the glory and pride of Assam and needs world recognition. The celebration of National Handloom Day is a mission to preserve the weaving culture of India, which has a deep-rooted history with the fight for Independence and also as means to self-reliant. The program ended with a vote of thanks by Mrs Iru Agarwal, secretary of Tezpur District Mahila Samiti.