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In a grand celebration of India’s heritage and modern fashion, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Chairman Mr. Manoj Kumar inaugurated an extraordinary exhibition themed “Khadi: The Fabric of Freedom, The Language of Fashion” at the prestigious Gandhi-King Memorial Plaza, India International Centre (IIC), Lodhi Road, New Delhi. The exhibition, which runs until October 22, from 11 AM to 7 PM, is organized in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (COEK) and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).
The exhibition traces Khadi’s remarkable transformation from a hand-spun fabric that played a pivotal role in India’s freedom movement to its current status as a sustainable, fashionable choice in the global fashion industry.
Inaugurating the event, KVIC Chairman Mr. Manoj Kumar shared his thoughts:
“The Khadi that played a crucial role in the freedom movement of India under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi has now, thanks to PM Modi’s relentless efforts, become a fashion symbol and a center of attraction for the ‘New Khadi of New India.'”
The inauguration was graced by IIC Director Mr. K.N. Srivastava, who joined Mr. Kumar in extending Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Khadi for Fashion.” The exhibition invites visitors to explore Khadi’s unique journey, presenting an array of products that include traditional hand-spun fabrics as well as contemporary designs blending heritage and modern aesthetics.
Key Features of the Exhibition:
Khadi Timeline:
A captivating display that highlights Khadi’s role in India’s freedom movement with archival photos, inspiring quotes from Mahatma Gandhi, and historical records showcasing the fabric’s deep-rooted significance.
Experience Center:
A live demonstration of the spinning process using traditional Bardoli and Peti charkhas allows visitors to witness the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating Khadi fabric.
Modern Designs:
Contemporary Khadi fabrics, sarees, home textiles, and more are exhibited, all designed by the Centre of Excellence for Khadi in collaboration with Khadi institutions. These creations reflect the perfect synergy between tradition and modernity.
Khadi Retail Stalls:
Authentic Khadi garments, including the latest designs developed by COEK, will be available for purchase. Visitors can shop for exclusive items made from this exquisite fabric.
KVIC Chairman Mr. Manoj Kumar, addressing the media, emphasized the importance of Khadi in India’s socio-economic landscape, quoting Mahatma Gandhi:
“The Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, once said, ‘I see God in every thread drawn by the spinning wheel.’ Embracing this philosophy, KVIC, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, is organizing various programmes like sales campaigns, exhibitions, and national and international fairs to boost Khadi artisans’ income, which has played a significant role in promoting Khadi products.”
Mr. Kumar further elaborated on Khadi’s growth under PM Modi’s leadership:
“The Khadi that played a key role in the freedom movement under Gandhi’s leadership has now become a fashion icon, thanks to PM Modi’s tireless efforts, and is now known as the ‘New Khadi of New India.’ He highlighted KVIC’s achievements, noting that Khadi’s business turnover under PM Modi’s leadership has surpassed ₹1.55 lakh crore in the financial year 2023-24, a remarkable growth from ₹31,000 crore ten years ago.”
He also discussed PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme, which has made Khadi a new status symbol among the youth, and praised COEK’s innovative contributions to popularizing Khadi.
“Since PM Modi’s appeal, the Khadi Gramodyog Bhawan in Connaught Place, Delhi, has set new sales records every year on Gandhi Jayanti, with sales surpassing ₹2 crore this year on October 2. These figures symbolize that ‘New Khadi of New India,’ under PM Modi’s leadership, has become the flag bearer of the ‘Vocal for Local,’ ‘Make in India,’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ campaigns.”
KVIC Chairman Mr. Manoj Kumar concluded his address with an appeal to the public:
“I urge all citizens to purchase more Khadi products this festive season, helping spread the joy of festivals to the homes of artisans and craftsmen who work tirelessly to produce high-quality goods.”
The exhibition is a significant step in boosting Khadi’s reputation as a modern fashion choice while promoting sustainable and locally-made products. KVIC and NIFT officials and employees also attended the event.
About KVIC:
The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India. It is responsible for planning, promoting, organizing, and implementing programs for the development of Khadi and other village industries in rural areas, in coordination with other agencies engaged in rural development.
