From West Godavari to the World: PM Modi Hails Narsapuram Lace Craft in 'Mann Ki Baat' - AP Industries - AP Heritage
Threading Heritage: How Narsapuram’s Crochet Lace Captured the World’s Attention
The quiet lanes of Narsapuram, a coastal town in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district, have long echoed with the rhythmic clicking of crochet needles. This week, those needles resonated across the nation as Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the exquisite Narsapuram Lace Craft in the 129th episode of Mann Ki Baat.
Acknowledging the craft's global footprint, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed his gratitude, noting that this recognition breathes new life into a 200-year-old tradition preserved by generations of women.
The Origin Story: From Scottish Missionaries to Global Markets
The story of Narsapuram lace is a fascinating blend of colonial history and local resilience. While the craft is synonymous with Andhra heritage today, its roots trace back to the mid-19th century.
The 1844 Milestone: It began when Macrae and his wife, a missionary couple from Scotland, introduced crochet work to local women in the region.
A Growing Industry: What started as a small community activity blossomed. By the early 1900s, over 2,000 women were involved.
London Calling: By the 1930s, Narsapuram lace was so prestigious that it was reportedly sold on the streets of London, adorning the garments of the British elite.
A Geographic Indication (GI) Success Story
One of the most significant milestones mentioned by PM Modi is the Geographic Indication (GI) Tag awarded to Narsapuram Lace. This legal protection ensures that the unique "Godavari style" of crochet—characterized by intricate patterns like the thinnali (pineapple) and rose motifs—cannot be replicated elsewhere under the same name.
Impact by the Numbers:
100,000+ Women: The craft provides a livelihood to roughly one lakh women across 250 villages.
500+ Products: From traditional tablecloths and curtains to modern fashion accessories, handbags, and mobile covers.
Global Export: A significant portion of these handmade wonders is exported to the USA, Europe, and Japan.
The Narsapuram Lace Park: Empowering Artisans
The Prime Minister also highlighted the modernization of the craft through the International Lace Park in Narsapuram. This facility serves as a bridge between ancient skill and modern commerce.
Combating Exploitation: Historically, artisans faced exploitation by middlemen. The Lace Park, developed by the DRDA under the Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana, provides a centralized hub for fair trade.
Skill Upgradation: In collaboration with NABARD, the Andhra Pradesh government is training women in new designs and quality control to meet international standards.
Direct-to-Market: The park provides a platform for women to showcase their work directly to exporters and retail buyers, ensuring they receive the "lion's share" of the profits.
🏆 The Power of the GI Tag
Prime Minister Modi specifically celebrated the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag awarded to Narsapuram Lace.
| Feature | Impact |
| Reach | Spread across 250+ villages |
| Employment | Empowering nearly 1,00,000 women |
| Variety | Over 500 unique products being manufactured |
| Growth | Jointly supported by the AP Government & NABARD |
🏛️ The Narsapuram International Lace Park
A major highlight of the region is the International Lace Park, which acts as the nerve center for this industry. Mentioned as a catalyst for growth, the park offers:
Modernization: Helping traditional artisans adapt to modern trends and high-fashion requirements.
Marketing Hub: A direct link between rural women and global exporters, cutting out middlemen and ensuring fair wages.
Skill Training: In partnership with NABARD, women are being trained in new designs and digital literacy to sell their products online.
AI Integration: Recent developments, like the Cyient AI & Future Skills Hub at Digital Bhavan, are now bringing AI-powered e-commerce and drone technology to the doorsteps of these rural artisans.
Why Narsapuram Lace Matters Today
In an era of fast fashion and machine-made textiles, Narsapuram lace stands as a testament to patience and precision. Every knot is tied by hand, often by women working from their homes in between domestic chores.
"Andhra Pradesh is home to many traditional arts that have been preserved by families and communities over generations... Narsapuram lace is a unique heritage craft." — CM N. Chandrababu Naidu
As India pushes for "Vocal for Local," Narsapuram lace is a shining example of how a traditional craft can evolve into a sustainable, global business model while empowering the rural female workforce.
How to Support Narsapuram Artisans
Look for the GI Tag: When buying crochet lace, ensure it is authentic Narsapuram craft.
Visit the Lace Park: If you are traveling through Andhra Pradesh, a visit to the Narsapuram Lace Park offers a firsthand look at this incredible art.
Spread the Word: Sharing the story of these 100,000 artisans helps keep the demand alive in the digital marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Narsapuram lace craft?
Narsapuram lace craft is a 200-year-old traditional handmade crochet art from the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. Artisans use thin cotton threads and a single crochet hook to create intricate floral and geometric patterns, ranging from home decor to fashion accessories.
2. Why is Narsapuram lace in the news recently?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently praised the Narsapuram lace craft and its women artisans in his 129th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' (December 2025). He highlighted it as a successful model for women's empowerment and rural entrepreneurship.
3. Does Narsapuram lace have a GI Tag?
Yes, Narsapuram Crochet Lace received the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag in early 2024. This ensures the authenticity of the product and protects the livelihood of over 100,000 local women artisans in the Godavari region.
4. What kind of products are made in Narsapuram?
Artisans produce over 500 varieties of items, including:
Home Decor: Tablecloths, doilies, curtains, and bedspreads.
Fashion: Saree borders, stoles, handbags, and caps.
Modern Lifestyle: Mobile covers, lampshades, and wall hangings.
5. Where is the International Lace Park located?
The International Lace Park is located in Narsapuram (specifically the Rustumbada area), West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. It serves as a major hub for training, quality control, and connecting local artisans directly with global exporters.
6. How can I buy authentic Narsapuram lace?
You can buy authentic products through:
Lepakshi Handicrafts: The official Andhra Pradesh government emporiums (online and offline).
Lace Park Direct Outlets: Visiting the production centers in Narsapuram.
Verified GI Platforms: Online marketplaces that specialize in GI-tagged Indian handicrafts.
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