New Delhi, Nov 9 (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee Friday conferred 20 Shilp Guru, 18 Sant Kabir and 74 National awards on illustrious craftspersons and weavers here.

Mukherjee described handlooms as a "precious part of national legacy" and called for constant endeavours to give handlooms and handicrafts access to markets within India and abroad to harness the potential of artisans and weavers, said an official statement.

"This rich heritage has been kept alive by those professionally skilled weaver households that are linked with the age-old tradition of weaving. Every part of India, every province, district and almost every single village has a cherished craft tradition of its own," he said.

The Shilp Guru awards, conferred upon master craftspersons of handicrafts, carries a mounted gold coin, shawl, certificate and a 'tamrapatra' (copper plate engraving).

In addition, Rs.6 lakh is also given to innovate and create five new products of high aesthetic value and quality.

The Sant Kabir awards carry a financial assistance of Rs.6 lakh for creating 10 new products.

The National award, also given to craftspersons and weavers, carries a cash prize of Rs.1 lakh, a certificate, 'tamrapatra' and an 'angavastram' (shawl).

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