Shri Amit Shah At Mati Kala Mahotsav, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, recently addressed the Khadi Mati Kala Mahotsav in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, emphasizing the multidimensional and multi-purpose aspects of the Khadi movement. The event witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, including Union Minister Shri Narayan Rane and Shri Bhanupratap Singh Verma.

Historical Context of Khadi

In his address, Shri Amit Shah highlighted the historical significance of Khadi, tracing its origins back to Mahatma Gandhi. He emphasized how Gandhi Ji linked Khadi with the freedom movement, using it as a means to connect impoverished individuals with employment. The movement also aimed to reduce dependence on foreign goods and instill the spirit of Swadeshi and Swaraj in every village.

Revival by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Shri Shah credited Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for not only reviving the Khadi movement but also popularizing it among the masses. He stated that PM Modi’s vision has breathed new life into the dying Khadi movement, making it a cornerstone of India’s economic development.

Vocal for Local and Economic Inclusivity

The Union Home Minister highlighted the Prime Minister’s “Vocal for Local” initiative, emphasizing the connection between Swadeshi and employment. Under PM Modi’s leadership, India has become the fastest-growing economy globally, with a focus on inclusive economic development.

Empowering through Khadi

Shri Shah expressed how increasing the turnover of Khadi translates to providing employment to millions, fostering self-reliance, and contributing to the country’s GDP. The Khadi Mati Kala Mahotsav witnessed the distribution of essential tools and equipment, including electric potter wheels, agro-based food processing industry tool kits, incense stick making machines, plumbing kits, and traditional charkhas.

Modernization of Central Silver Plant

A significant development highlighted by Shri Shah was the inauguration of a modernized Central Silver Plant (CSP) at a cost of Rs 10 crore. This plant is crucial for Khadi production, as it enhances efficiency, quality, and ensures the optimal utilization of materials.

Post Office Initiatives

Shri Shah announced the inauguration of eight newly constructed post offices, providing various services such as mail and parcel booking, Aadhaar services, banking postal services, life insurance, rural postal life insurance, and digital certificates for pensioners. The move aims to enhance accessibility and convenience for the residents of the Gandhinagar area.

Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan’s Success

Reflecting on the success of the Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan, Shri Shah noted the widespread hoisting of the national flag across the country. The campaign, conceptualized by Prime Minister Modi, rekindled the spirit of patriotism from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Dwarka to Kamakhya.

PMEGP and Progress in Khadi Village Industries

Shri Shah informed the audience about the online payment of margin money amounting to approximately Rs 200 crore under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). This initiative is expected to facilitate loans totaling Rs 600 crore for 5000 beneficiaries nationwide, contributing to economic empowerment.

Khadi’s Economic Impact

The Union Home Minister shared the impressive progress of Khadi Village Industries over the past nine years, attributing this success to Prime Minister Modi’s prioritization of Khadi. The total turnover of Khadi has surpassed Rs 1,35,000 crore in the fiscal year 2022-23, positively impacting the lives of one lakh individuals.

Call to Action: Promoting Khadi

In his closing remarks, Shri Amit Shah urged the people of Gujarat and the entire nation to support Khadi by purchasing products worth Rs 5,000 annually. He emphasized that if every family in the country follows suit, it could significantly reduce unemployment, fostering economic growth and self-reliance.

Important Questions Related to Exams

Q. Which historical figure is associated with the origins of Khadi, as mentioned by Shri Amit Shah?

Answer: Mahatma Gandhi.

Q. According to Shri Amit Shah, how did Mahatma Gandhi link Khadi with the freedom movement?

Answer: Gandhi Ji connected Khadi with the freedom movement to provide employment to impoverished individuals.

Q. What essential tools and equipment were distributed during the Khadi Mati Kala Mahotsav?

Answer: Electric potter wheels, agro-based food processing industry tool kits, incense stick making machines, plumbing kits, and traditional charkhas.