In a bid to bridge the generational gap and ignite a renewed interest in the age-old fabric, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) inaugurated a revamped Khadi India outlet at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Campus in Delhi on October 2. The timing couldn’t have been more appropriate, as it marked the celebration of Gandhi Jayanti, a day dedicated to the memory of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, who championed the cause of Khadi as a symbol of self-reliance and national pride.
Khadi’s Renaissance at IIT Campus
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has repeatedly urged the youth of India to embrace Khadi as a preferred fabric for fashion, supporting the ‘swadeshi‘ (indigenous) and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiatives. In line with these visionary ideals, the launch of a Khadi Gramodyog Bhawan within the IIT Campus in Delhi is a significant step toward making Khadi’s youthful designs readily accessible to college students.
A Collaboration of Excellence
In addition to the outlet’s inauguration, Shri Manoj Kumar, Chairman of KVIC and Shri Nagendra Raghuvanshi, Member, Commission KVIC, also unveiled an exciting new collection of apparel designed by the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK) in collaboration with various Khadi Institutions.
CoEK, conceptualized by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), seeks to bolster the Khadi and Village Industries Commission’s efforts in partnership with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). The primary aim of CoEK is to engage with younger audiences and expand Khadi’s global reach.
Khadi’s Unique Qualities
Khadi is more than just a fabric; it is a symbol of sustainability and cultural heritage. Crafted through the painstaking process of hand spinning and hand weaving, Khadi stands out as a breathable, sustainable, and eco-friendly textile. It keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer, making it an ideal choice for all seasons. What sets it apart is its sustainability, as the production process is energy-neutral, aligning perfectly with the global push for eco-conscious living.
A Vibrant and Youthful Khadi
Recognizing the need to adapt to contemporary fashion preferences, a new range of Khadi apparel has been crafted. This collection is designed to appeal to young audiences with vibrant colors and contemporary silhouettes. Khadi Institutions, under the guidance of the (Centre of Excellence for Khadi) CoEK team, have standardized the production of nine distinct styles of Khadi apparel. The IIT outlet will serve as a trailblazer, setting the stage for a fresh narrative around Khadi fashion.
Empowering Rural India
The growing acceptance and global recognition of Khadi, propelled by the efforts of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, hold the promise of brighter futures for countless families in rural areas. The resurgence of Khadi not only preserves traditional craftsmanship but also empowers local artisans and revives rural economies.