On October 2, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) took a momentous step to bridge generational divides and reignite enthusiasm for the time-honored fabric. They unveiled a revamped Khadi India outlet at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Campus in Delhi. This noteworthy event coincided with the celebration of Gandhi Jayanti, a day dedicated to the memory of Mahatma Gandhi, who fervently promoted Khadi as a symbol of self-sufficiency and national pride.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s repeated appeals to the youth to embrace Khadi as a fashion choice that supports indigenous and self-reliant India initiatives found resonance in the launch of a Khadi Gramodyog Bhawan right within the IIT Campus in Delhi, making Khadi’s youthful designs more accessible to college students.
In addition to the outlet’s inauguration, Shri Manoj Kumar, Chairman of KVIC, and Shri Nagendra Raghuvanshi, Member of the Commission KVIC, unveiled a captivating new collection of apparel. This collection was crafted in collaboration with various Khadi Institutions and conceptualized by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) under the banner of the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK). CoEK’s objective is to engage with younger audiences and expand Khadi’s global reach.
Khadi transcends being a mere fabric; it embodies sustainability and cultural heritage. Hand-spun and hand-woven, Khadi stands out as a breathable, sustainable, and eco-friendly textile that provides warmth in winter and coolness in summer, making it an ideal choice for all seasons. Its uniqueness lies in its sustainable production process, which is energy-neutral—a perfect fit for the global push toward eco-conscious living.
Recognizing the need to align with contemporary fashion preferences, a new range of Khadi apparel has been meticulously crafted. This collection, designed with vibrant colors and contemporary silhouettes, aims to captivate young audiences. 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 stands as a pioneering initiative, setting the stage for a fresh narrative surrounding Khadi fashion.
The growing acceptance and global recognition of Khadi, driven by the endeavors 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 revitalizes rural economies.