New Delhi, June 12 (IANS): Ace designer Varun Bahl, who is part of an initiative to revive the heritage of the Indian textile industry and employment for the Banaras weavers, believes the weavers' craft goes beyond just handloom work.

"We are very serious about our commitment towards this, and gaining the trust of the weavers, and helping them work as a team along with us is my prerogative. This initiative will also make the weavers realise that they are artists and not mere handloom workers.

"Banaras has a lot of beautiful traditional weaves and textiles, and these weavers need our appreciation and support in keeping this craft alive, and promoting Banaras textiles the world over," Bahl said in a statement.

Apart from Bahl, the campaign has received recognition from several established designers such as Ritu Kumar, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, Anita Dongre, Rina Dhaka and Manish Malhotra.

The designers are currently working towards promoting Banaras textiles by connecting with the weavers and incorporating these artisans' skills in mainstream designs. Efforts are being made to promote artisans, craftsmen and weavers by providing them with support, resources and direct industry avenues to ensure sustainable growth.