Indian Navy goes the khadi way

This is the first time that khadi will be featured in such an event. Hosted by Indian Navy, the programme will be attended by Navies of different countries. As many as 50 countries are participating in the event. Being the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, President of India Pranab Mukherjee will be conducting the review. This review aims at assuring the country of the Indian Navy’s preparedness, high morale and discipline. Apart from the President, Prime Minister, several Cabinet Ministers, and Chief Ministers are participating in the programme along with all three service and other dignitaries.

The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has put up a stall as part of the mega fete that was organised on Friday as part of the celebrations. The ‘Khadi India’ outlet featured some of the finest Khadi products produced by artisans from different parts of the country. There was a live demonstration of manufacturing Ponduru Khadi at the stall.  Spearheading the initiative KVIC Chairman, VK Saxena, said that the event was a proud moment for the organisation since it would help take the Khadi brand to the global arena. Saxena has successfully taken Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision ahead.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme of 2016,  asked people to increasingly adopt khadi, which he said has become a ”symbol” and has great potential to create employment. He also pitched for continued efforts to popularise khadi. Modi said, “Khadi has the power to provide employment to crores of people. It has now become a symbol and a centre of interest of the nation’s youth.” The Prime Minister said, “Sardar Patel said India’s independence is in khadi, India’s civilisation represents khadi, and farmers’ welfare is in khadi.”  Due to the efforts of many government organisations in the field of khadi, around 18 lakh people can be gainfully employed,” he said, calling upon people to have at least one khadi garment in their wardrobe.

In yet another accolade for the KVIC, the postal department in the northern State of Uttarakhand has decided to go the khadi way. The Department placed an order with KVIC for supply of Khadi cotton and woolen garments. In addition, the order also provides for supply of khadi leather footwear and woolen socks. Announcing this recently Saxena, said it was a significant order for KVIC. It will generate 37,280 extra man hours of employment, resulting in extra earnings to Khadi artisans in rural areas. The order will contribute to the campaign launched by PM Narendra Modi  to promote “Make In India’. Uttarakhand will be the first State in the country where the employees of the Postal Department would wear uniforms made of Khadi, he added.