As the nation celebrates National Handloom Day, a remarkable story of transformation continues to unfold in the heart of the Steel City, Rourkela — a story where threads of tradition are being woven into fabrics of empowerment and opportunity. At its centre lies Deepika Hast Kargha, a vibrant handloom weaving unit established by Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) under its CSR initiative and nurtured with care and commitment by Deepika Mahila Sanghati, one of the city’s leading socio cultural organisations.
Located within the campus of Deepika Mahila Jagriti Sansthan, Sector-2, the centre is equipped with various handloom weaving facilities, including pre-loom equipment, frame looms, and pit looms. Since its inauguration on 2nd October, 2012, the centre has been transforming the lives of women from nearby rural areas — many of whom once lacked access to education or technical skills.
Over the years, these women, many of whom had never touched a loom before, have mastered the nuances of handloom weaving. From learning the basics of thread winding to producing intricately designed cotton and silk sarees and fabrics their journey is nothing short of remarkable.
Each woman receives a monthly stipend during the training period, helping them support themselves as they grow in confidence and competence. The products of Deepika Hast Kargha are being sold in a dedicated shop the ‘House of Deepika’ set up in the Sector-5 market as well as in various exhibitions.
To mark National Handloom Day, a programme was organized at Deepika Hast Kargha on 7th August, 2025. Mrs. Namrata Verma, President Deepika Mahila Sanghati presided over the function. Mrs. Prabhati Misra, Vice President, DMS, Ms. Munmun Mittra, GM In-Charge (CSR), Mr. T B Toppo, DGM (CSR), Mrs. Sarika Kumar, Secretary, DMS, members of the Governing Body of DMS and the trainees of the Handloom Centre were present on the occasion. A fashion show was organized on the occasion in which the sarees made at the Hastakargaha unit were showcased. A quiz competition based handloom fabric was also conducted among participants. The dignitaries cut a cake to mark the occasion. Mrs. Sarika Kumar coordinated the function.
