International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Empowering hands and Weaving the dreams of Viksit Bharat 2047 – “The Lotus yarn Initiative”

Innovative natural material plays an essential role in the handicraft sector. Mostly all the Indian traditional textiles consist of natural fibre which has its own essence and value. Till date, artisans love to continue practicing and refining their indigenous techniques. With the increasing population and demand, technological advancement in natural fiber manufacturing is a major concern. Moving towards the contribution in fulfilling the dreams of “Viksit Bharat 2047” the present study throws light on experimenting the precious fibre hidden in wetlands. The study focuses on indigenous spinning systems, technological advancement for manufacturing of Lotus fibre, testing, lab to land approach by training the women for extraction and spinning, implementing Lotus yarn in developing Khadi and handloom fabrics and exhibiting them in various platforms. Results revealed that it was possible to develop 100 % Lotus hand spun yarn of 28’s and 50’s that was used to develop Khadi fabrics. Considering the mass production and technological aspect, the approach for design and fabrication of apparatus was possible and feasible in developing 60’s Lotus yarn which was used in developing hand woven stoles using Bhujodi weaving of Kutch. Training of women was successfully conducted and helped them to manage some of their financial crisis. Exhibition of the fabrics has remarkably attracted the fashion designers, handloom artisan weavers, startup agencies and array of yarn, dyeing and fabric manufacturing industries. Lotus fiber being natural material and manufacturing itself is a craft and require lot of skill and patience. Hence the entire value chain of Lotus petiole – fiber - yarn – fabric will be a novel future fiber in the field of textiles that will contribute to the pillars of “Viksit Bharat -2047”.