Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday encouraged citizens to gift products made in Khadi Village Industries to their friends and relatives in the upcoming festive period.
Speaking during a ‘Khadi Utsav’ at the Sabarmati riverfront, the PM said that people can have clothes made of different types of fabrics. “But if you give place to Khadi in that, then the Vocal for Local campaign will gain momentum,” he added.
Highlighting the benefits of Khadi, he said that it is an example of sustainable clothing, eco-friendly clothing and it has the least carbon footprint.
“There are many countries where the temperature is high, Khadi is also very important from the point of view of health. Hence, Khadi can play a huge role at the global level,” Modi said adding that this in sync with the growing trend of back to basic and sustainable living at the global level.
Khadi was ignored after Independence but now it can become a source of inspiration for “Atmanirbhar Bharat”, the Prime Minister said.
Khadi (homespun) was ignored after Independence due to which weavers in the country suffered, he said.
As a thread of khadi became inspiration for freedom struggle, it can also become source of inspiration for developed and Atmanirbhar Bharat, he added.
As many as 7,500 women khadi artisans created a record on this occasion by spinning charkha (spinning wheel) at the same time and place, Modi noted in his speech.
Khadi Utsav (Khadi festival) is being organised as part of the Center’s “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the contribution of women in the process of revival of Khadi. “Women power is also a major contributor to the growing strength of India’s Khadi industry. The spirit of entrepreneurship is ingrained in our sisters and daughters. The proof of this is also the expansion of Sakhi Mandals in Gujarat,” he added.
