Dreams are not what we see while sleeping but what we make it happen was said by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the former president of India. He has written numerous books like “Wings of Fire” and his Vision for India 2020. We all like to dream for a brighter future but seldom we put the hard work required to achieve the goal. Dreams ignite the spark, give hope, and instill a belief that we can achieve anything we desire for. So, does our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dream of promoting 'Vocal for Local'. This year 2023 on the auspicious occasion on the 154th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Union Minister of Micro Small Medium Enterprises Shri Narayan Rane flagged off the Khadi Yatra and announced the 'KHADI MAHOTSAV,' scheduled from October 2nd to October 31st, 2023 in Mumbai. This is a brilliant concept which should be encouraged by all the citizens.
During his inaugural speech, Shri Narayan Rane emphasized the innovative projects of the KVIC (Khadi and Village Industry) sector, demonstrating notable expansion in line with the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat. This exhibition includes about 100 institutions that showcase a wide variety of Khadi products from different states, such as silk sarees, dress materials, kurtas, jackets, bedsheets, carpets, honey, and other household items, along with exquisite art and handicrafts. The event intends to give weavers and others in the cottage sector job possibilities.
In 1918, the people of united India were introduced to Khadi as a means of achieving independence from British textiles and self-sufficiency. In May 1915, Gandhiji initiated the Khadi campaign, a socio-cultural narrative, from the Satyagraha Ashram, also called the Sabarmati Ashram, in the Gujarati region of Ahmedabad. Khadi, which comes from the word "khaddar," is a hand-spun and hand-woven cotton fabric that became one of the icons of India's liberation movement. Mahatma Gandhi is credited with giving these textiles their name because of their rough texture. An Indian spinning wheel, or charkha, is used to spin khadi. Additionally, the charkha became as a significant symbol on the 1930s Indian national flag. Gandhiji encouraged people to adopt Swadeshi items. Khadi, which was supposedly woven with "the threads of Swaraj," quickly gained popularity as the fabric of nationalism. Mahatma Gandhi thought that by creating a common profession, spinning khadi would bring people together from all social groups and lessen the divide that existed between them. Thus, societal, and economic factors led to the establishment of the Khadi movement. Gandhiji's belief that the fabric has the power to elevate the masses is the fundamental idea behind this movement. As a result, Khadi became an essential symbol of India's liberation movement and the country's fabric.
Like Swaraj, everyone has the innate right to utilize khadi throughout their lives. It is an obligation. Only until tens of millions of Indians wield charkha to spin khadi can there be swaraj. Hindu- Muslim Unity will not materialize until they have all spun khadi. The term "universalization" refers to the automated resolution of issues such as untouchability. Boycotting clothing made abroad. The process of making khadi represents the elimination of the usage of imported clothing. Khadi enhances millions of semi-starved peasants' income by cutting out middlemen. When khadi is spun, the spinner is reminded of the needs of the nation rather than their own. Women who spin khadi will grow more independent. Swadeshi is based on the usage of khadi. Woven by hand the only cloth created via weaving and spinning by hand. Khadi's economics is founded on humanism and a sense of patriotism.
Artisan Showcases: Weavers and craftsmen display a variety of khadi goods at Khadi Mahotsav, including as apparel, accessories, and home textiles. Because of their elaborate designs, which showcase local customs and creative abilities, these objects are one-of-a-kind works of art. Visitors may watch live demonstrations of every step of the khadi-making process, from wheel spinning to dying and weaving. These demonstrations close the gap between customers and producers by providing insightful investigates the skill and commitment needed to manufacture khadi textiles. Cultural Performances: The Mahotsav is a celebration of Indian culture, not simply textiles. India's cultural tapestry is brought to life for visitors during the festival through a variety of cultural activities like folk dances, music, and art displays.
Khadi Fashion Shows: Showcasing designers' new takes on khadi that combine tradition and modernity, the fashion shows are a highlight of the Mahotsav. The displays showcase not only the adaptability of khadi but also its promise as a stylish and eco-friendly option for the contemporary world. Interactions between Buyers and
Sellers: The Khadi Mahotsav offers buyers a fantastic chance to speak with craftsmen face-to-face and make purchases, supporting the handloom sector and its workers. A greater respect for the art form and the individuals who create it is fostered by this face-to-face connection.
Encouragement of Sustainable Practices: Khadi uses very little power and dangerous chemicals, making it naturally environmentally benign. People are made aware of the environmental advantages of this cloth by Khadi Mahotsav. Social Impact: By empowering weavers and enhancing their standard of living, Khadi Mahotsav encourages employment in rural regions. In turn, this supports the expansion of rural economies and advances Mahatma Gandhi's goal of self-sufficient communities.
"Even today I tell you with all the confidence that I can command that if only you all completely boycott all foreign and Indian mill-made cloth, you will achieve swaraj within less than a year." (Speech at swadeshi exhibition, Kanpur, 24-12-1925);
"The boycott of foreign cloth will succeed only when the twenty-two crores of our peasants begin to use khadi. And to convert them to the use of khadi means to explain to them the science of khadi, to show them the advantages of self-help and to teach them the entire process of khadi production. For this we need volunteers, mobile schools and preparation and distribution of booklets describing the processes of spinning, carding, etc." (Navajivan, 21-4-1929);
“Earlier it was Khadi for nation, Khadi for fashion but it has now become Khadi for transformation” was said by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Khadi is a timeless fabric – classy, simplistic and breezy which has an authentic vintage appeal," says fashion designer Gaurang Shah. "In the 90s, when the trend for saris was chiffon and georgette, I was looking for an alternative to silk, and discovered a weaver weaving khadi saris. I instantly fell in love with the fabric – longer lasting than silk, and inexpensive.
A straightforward spiritual lifestyle that is reflected in our attire and home furnishings may also be paved over by incorporating Khadi into our everyday lives. Because khadi is such a flexible fabric, it can be readily incorporated into garment lines and home decor by simply altering the warp and weft. This will bring us closer to the natural world and infuse our way of life with a little earthiness. Using the kala cotton's inherent texture to give it an earthy tone is one way we might be able to use it on the weft. The natural dyes, the therapeutic properties, and the spiritual perspective sparked by the saints' attire are possible additional choices.
Other imaginative designs might incorporate elements such as employing a Khadi handloom and adorning it with stitching, prints, and other decorations before connecting it to the therapeutic significance. Khadi's casual appearance may be greatly altered by combining it with needlework such as chikan, kantha, kashida, ajrakh, block prints, etc. to create festive clothing. Khadi may therefore be used in our attire and home décor for a range of situations in our lives, from formal to celebratory.
One of the sectors that produces the greatest trash and pollution is the fashion business. Khadi is an organic product with no carbon footprint, making it an ideal response to the current effects on the climate. In addition, Khadi offers a cooling option for both producers and consumers as the world's temperature rises.
Khadi is important not just for its aesthetic and fashion value, but also because it supports our nation's economy by giving a sizable portion of the workforce jobs. This industry has been weaving Khadi for many centuries. Their expert craftsmanship combined with the most recent technological advancements allow them to produce textiles that are both contemporary and environmentally sustainable.
Khadi is more than just a cloth, to sum up. It represents the fight for independence in India, serves as a catalyst for economic expansion, points the way towards sustainable development, and protects our rich cultural legacy. We are making a significant and long-lasting contribution to the growth of our nation by aiding Khadi.