Manoj Kumar, Chairman, KVIC, along with KN Srivasta, Director, India International Centre (IIC), inaugurated the exhibition, ‘KhadiFor Fashion,’ in New Delhi. Based on the theme ‘Khadi: The Fabric of Freedom, The Language of Fashion’ (Khadi: The Cloth of Freedom, The Language of Fashion), the exhibition has been organised in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (COEK) and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). It urges visitors to explore Khadi's remarkable journey—starting from hand-spun fabric during India's freedom movement under Mahatma Gandhi to its current status as a symbol of sustainability and modern fashion.
The exhibition showcases khadi clothes, sarees, home textiles, and contemporary designs developed by COEK's design team, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Having played a key role in the freedom movement under Gandhi’s leadership, Khadi has now become a fashion icon, and is currently known as the 'New Khadi of New India,’ Kumar said. Under Prime Minister Narender Modi’s leadership, Khadi’s business turnover increased from Rs 31,000 crore ten years ago to over Rs1.55 lakh crore in the FY 2023-24 he added.
Further Kumar said, PM Modi's popular 'Mann Ki Baat' program has made Khadi garments a new status symbol among the youth. Innovative products developed by COEK have also played a crucial role in popularizing Khadi. Khadi Gramodyog Bhawan in Connaught Place, Delhi, sets new sales records every year on Gandhi Jayanti, with this years’ sales surpassing Rs2 crore, he added.
Kumar appealed to all citizens to purchase more Khadi products this festive season, helping spread the joy of festivals to the homes of artisans and craftsmen who work tirelessly to produce high-quality goods. KVIC and NIFT officials and employees attended the event.
