KVIC begins Gandhi's 'Mural wall' extension

While unveiling Mahatma Gandhi's 'Grand Wall Mural' at New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) on January 31, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu had said that to make it more prominent, the 150 square meters clay mural of Mahatma Gandhi, made of 'Kulhads' from the hands of 150 village potters across India should be larger. Taking serious notes of his instructions, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission had decided to enlarge the wall mural to 217 square meters, i.e. 43 percent larger than the earlier mural and the work in this connection has already begun on April 11.

Giving the details of works, KVIC Chairman Vinai Kumar Saxena said that the idea of making this wall mural came on December 22, 2018 at a function in Varanasi – the spiritual capital of the world, took shape on January 6 this year in Morbi – the home state of Mahatma Gandhi."This enlarged mural will look more grand and prominent by proportionately increasing the size by 4 feet on all sides. Besides, Indian Flag will be painted on the cement sheets as the background of Bapu's image, which will add to the beauty of the image," he said, adding, "While the horizontal steel frame with wire-mesh will prevent any damage on the ground floor, elements of illumination will also enhance the beauty of the façade and mural will be prominently visible also in the night."

It may be noted here that it was the herculean efforts of KVIC's adroit potters, who made the kulhads for this mural in no time. They had assembled at Morbi – a place famous for its terracotta products, where theclay of their respective areas were mixed with Morbi clay, under the guidance of Clay Club, the noted terracotta designing company there.

KVIC Chairman further said that it was a matter of great pride for the nation and KVIC as it was practical display of Gandhian thoughts on village industries. "This tributary endeavor of KVIC is certainly a 'Tribute with difference'. It is also a proud moment for the nation, when KVIC's grand mural is showcasing the combined 'sweaty' efforts of village potters across the nation – hailing from hilly Leh to seaside Maharashtra and from dense jungle area of Chhatisgarh to Gangetic Varanasi," he said, adding, "This 217-square-meter mural will reflect the unity of Indian civilization with their individualities and showcases the combined 'sweaty' efforts of village potters across the nation."