KARIMNAGAR (TELANGANA): A Sircilla-based powerloom weaver, who earned a reputation for his fine weaving skills, is all set to add another feather in his cap by weaving a silk saree and shawl that could fit in matchboxes to be presented to US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle, who are scheduled to visit the country from January 25.
Nalla Vijay met Union Minister for Labour Bandaru Dattatreya in Hyderabad on Saturday and handed over the gifts, to be presented to the Obama couple by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The 27-year-old weaver had earlier made a similar saree and shawl and presented them to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
Speaking to Express over phone, Vijay said the Union Minister appreciated his skills and promised that he would see to it that the gifts are presented to the US first couple. Vijay said he worked on the powerloom for 15 days to weave the special shawl and saree.
“While the 4.5-metre-long saree weighs 60 gm, the 2-metre-long shawl weighs only 30 gm. These two fabrics are packed in two separate matchboxes,” he said.
Vijay said he is expecting an invitation from the Prime Minister’s Office to meet the US President to explain the skills and traditions of Sircilla weavers. “I have learnt this intricate work from my forefathers and I wish it is continued by the next generation weavers as well,” he added with a smile.
His father Nalla Parandhamulu is also an accomplished weaver, who had woven a similar matchbox silk saree and had presented it to then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
My father also wove a 112-metre-long national flag, weighing 600 gm, and that was displayed in the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, Vijay said.