The process of selecting the recipients of the National Award, Shilp Guru Award, Design Award, and other prestigious honours in the Handicrafts and Handloom sectors has reached its final stage. The recommendations of the High-Level National Selection Committee are being finalized and placed under seal, marking the culmination of a rigorous, transparent, and confidential evaluation process held at Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts Bhawan, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi, on 18 July 2026.
The Government of India, Ministry of Textiles, constituted a High-Level National Selection Committee to oversee the selection process. The proceedings were conducted under the guidance of the Secretary (Textiles), Ms. Neelam Shami Rao, with the objective of ensuring that the awards are conferred on the most deserving artisans and weavers through a fair, transparent, and merit-based selection process.
The selection process commenced at the regional level, where the Regional Level Selection Committees played a crucial role in identifying and recommending outstanding artisans and weavers from across the country. These committees evaluated the nominees on the basis of their exceptional craftsmanship, originality, innovation, traditional skills, and sustained contribution to the preservation and promotion of India’s rich handicrafts and handloom heritage. The shortlisted recommendations were subsequently placed before the High-Level National Selection Committee for final consideration.
The High-Level National Selection Committee deserves appreciation for maintaining the highest standards of fairness, transparency, confidentiality, and impartiality throughout the evaluation process. Its unwavering commitment to recognizing excellence ensures that these prestigious awards honour artisans and weavers whose lifelong dedication, passion, emotional commitment, creativity, innovation, and exceptional craftsmanship have significantly enriched and preserved India’s rich handicrafts and handloom heritage. These awards stand as a tribute to the perseverance, cultural pride, and invaluable contributions of master craftspersons who have devoted their lives to safeguarding and passing on India’s timeless artistic traditions to future generations.
Heartfelt appreciation is also due to the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), and their dedicated officers and staff members for their meticulous planning, tireless efforts, and unwavering commitment in successfully conducting this prestigious national selection process. Special commendation is deserved for the thoughtful presentation and display of the shortlisted craft exhibits, accompanied by concise explanatory notes highlighting the history, uniqueness, craftsmanship, techniques, and cultural significance of each craft. These informative presentations enabled the members of the Jury and the High-Level National Selection Committee to better understand the distinctive features, artistic excellence, and traditional value of each craft, thereby facilitating a fair, objective, transparent, and well-informed selection of the most deserving artisans and weavers.
Across the country, thousands of deserving artisans and weavers are now eagerly awaiting the announcement of the results. For many, these awards are far more than accolades—they represent the nation’s highest recognition of a lifetime devoted to preserving, promoting, and enriching India’s unparalleled handicraft and handloom traditions.
May the most deserving master artisans and weavers receive the honour they have earned through years of dedication, perseverance, creativity, and excellence. Wishing every participant the very best.
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