Page 56 - Mann Ki Baat September 2022

Khadi for Nation and Fashion

Khadi is a beautifully handmade,
handwoven fabric that comes in a
variety of weights and colours. The
modern avatar of Khadi is truly a
luxury; unique and bespoke. With
zero carbon footprint, Khadi is a
clean, sustainable fabric that lasts
well and is a dream to work with.
Considered only for politicians
or senior citizens back then, I
curated a collection using the
versatile fabric of khadi, for
Ritu Beri various occasions ranging from
Fashion Designer Diwali to other festivals and even
weddings. Today, when my brand
curates collections of Khadi in reds,
maroons and turquoise blues, it
leaves people in awe wondering if
As the entire nation comes it is truly made of Khadi fabric. And
together to celebrate the 'Azadi Ka interestingly, those pieces are sold
Amrit Mahotsav' with full zeal and at designer rates. This reflects that
pride, everything that translates in today’s times, Khadi not only
to Azadi becomes a noteworthy reflects the richness of our Indian
thing. From the lens of a fashion heritage but is also regarded with
designer and a true Indian, the as much respect as any other
biggest thing that reflects Azadi, designer fabric, making it a very
which has also united the nation special entity. My aim has also
for decades, is Khadi. When been to make the nation believe
Mahatma Gandhi picked up the that Khadi, too, can look luxurious,
Charkha, his sole objective was to rich and special. And in turn, prove
take Khadi to every individual and to the entire world that it is our
every household in the nation and national fabric and we are truly
instill a sense of nationalism in the proud of this rich heritage.
hearts of Indians, especially during The fact that Mahatma
India’s fight for Independence. Gandhi believed in it, the fact that
Even after Independence,
the importance of Khadi has
increased manifold. Today, Khadi
is a symbol of patriotism and
deservedly considered the pride
of the nation.
Khadi is not only a fabric, it’s
a thought; a philosophy; a vision.
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