PM praises Nalanda weaver for innovation

Patna: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tribute to revolutionary freedom fighter Khudiram Bose for his bravery, patriotism and martyrdom. He also lauded Naveen Kumar of Nalanda for modernising his family's handloom business through the use of new technology.

Speaking during his monthly ‘Mann ki Baat' programme, the PM recalled the hanging of the 18-year-old freedom fighter in Muzaffarpur jail on Aug 11, 1908. "His face was full of pride. There was no trace of fear. Thousands of people had gathered outside the jail to bid a final farewell to a brave man. His sacrifice still inspires," Modi said, adding that August is also the month of revolution.

"It was dawn. Every street, intersection and movement in Muzaffarpur seemed to have stopped at that time. There were tears in the eyes of the people, but there was fire in their hearts. People had surrounded the jail where an 18-year-old youth was paying the price for expressing his patriotism against the British. That brave, courageous youth was Khudiram Bose. At the age of just 18, he showed such courage that shook the whole country," Modi said.

Quoting contemporary newspaper reports, he said, "When Khudiram Bose moved towards the noose of hanging, there was a smile on his face."

The PM said it was after countless such sacrifices and centuries of penance that the country finally attained independence.

He also took the opportunity to highlight the achievements of Naveen Kumar, a handloom weaver from Nepura village in Nalanda. He praised him as a role model for how traditional artisans can adopt innovation while preserving heritage.

Describing Naveen as an inspiration for others, Modi said, "His family has been associated with this craft for generations and is now taking this art forward by adopting new technology."

He added that Naveen, the secretary of the Nepura Primary Weavers' Cooperation Committee, has also ensured that his children are educated in handloom technology and they are now employed with major brands.