An Immersive Exhibition Exploring Khadi’s Journey from a Symbol of Independence to an Icon of Sustainable Fashion concluded yesterday 22nd Oct 2024 at the open-air Gandhi-King Memorial Plaza at the India International Center (IIC), Lodhi Road, New Delhi.
The exhibition showcased Khadi’s journey from the fabric of freedom to a symbol of fashion. It was part of “Kalpavriksha”- A festival of the Arts, The National Movement for Freedom, and the identity of IIC.
Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Chairman Mr Manoj Kumar, in the presence of India International Centre (IIC) Director Mr K.N. Srivastava, extended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Khadi for Fashion” and inaugurated the Khadi exhibition based on the theme “Khadi: The Fabric of Freedom, The Language of Fashion” on 18th Oct 2024. It delves the visitors into the remarkable journey of Khadi- from its origins as hand-spun cloth envisaged by Mahatma Gandhi during India’s independence movement to its present-day status as a symbol of sustainability and modern fashion.
The exhibition was organized in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (COEK) and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) with the support of Khadi institutions.
Conceptualized and Curated by COEK’s, Set-up by Ministry of MSME at NIFT, Ministry of Textile with Sunaina Suneja, textile revivalist, deeply engaged with khadi and the charkha. The exhibition succeeded in tracing Khadi’s transformative journey across time from a tool of resistance to becoming a laza symbol of conscious living and modern fashion. Visitors 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. It showcased Khadi clothes, sarees, home textiles, and contemporary designs developed by COEK’s design team, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.
Khadi, the hand-spun and hand-woven cloth, holds a special place in India’s history and heritage. It symbolized self-reliance and resistance during the freedom struggle, and today, it has been repositioned as an eco-friendly and fashionable fabric. The efforts of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), supported by the government, have revitalized this traditional textile, making it relevant in today’s global market. Through various initiatives, KVIC aims to enhance the livelihood of artisans and weavers, ensuring that the legacy of Khadi continues to thrive in the modern era.
KVIC Chairman Mr Manoj Kumar said, “The Khadi that played a crucial role in the freedom movement of India under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi has now, thanks to PM Modi’s relentless efforts, become a fashion symbol and a centre of attraction for the ‘New Khadi of New India.
He 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.
A team member from COEK explained that the exhibition aimed to educate and inspire, demonstrating how Khadi has transcended its material form to become a symbol of India’s past, present, and future. It’s a fabric that carries the spirit of the nation, embodying the principles of simplicity, sustainability, and sovereignty.
She elaborated that the exhibition was divided into four segments which took the onlookers on a transformative journey, examining Khadi’s role during India’s fight for freedom, its deep cultural significance, and its enduring relevance in the modern fashion industry as a symbol of sustainability and contemporary fashion.
Key Highlights of the Exhibition were
The history of Khadi- The Khadi Timelines exhibition allowed visitors to explore the significance of the fabric in India’s independence movement through archival photographs and quotes from Mahatma Gandhi. The impressive display showcased Khadi’s pivotal role in India’s freedom movement, featuring archival photos, quotes from Mahatma Gandhi, and historical records emphasizing the fabric’s significance during that era.
The Experience Centre where live demonstration of spinning on Bardoli and peti Charkha allowed visitors to witness the intricacies of the hand-spinning process that gives Khadi its original character and appeal. This allowed visitors to witness the craftsmanship behind Khadi production.
Modern Designs: The exhibition showcased also creations designed by the Centre of Excellence for Khadi in collaboration with Khadi institutions, such as fabrics, sarees, and home textiles, showcasing a perfect blend of tradition and modernity with fabric’s versatility and its blend of traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.
Khadi Retail Stalls: Genuine Khadi products, along with new designs developed by COEK, were available for purchase. Enthusiastic visitors bought garments made from this exquisite fabric. The Stalls of Khadi Institutions offered authentic khadi and village products and some of the new styles, designed by COEK.
This exhibition celebrates Khadi’s transformative journey from a humble, hand-spun fabric to an icon of sustainable fashion that bridges the gap between tradition and innovation. It also underscores Khadi’s growing global relevance as a marker of conscious living and responsible fashion.
It is worthwhile to mention that The Center of Excellence for Khadi has been set up at NIFT by the Ministry of MSME, to address the needs of the Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC) in India. The Center has been set up as a hub in Delhi and spokes at Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Gandhinagar, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Panchkula. The objective is to help Khadi Institutions effectively design, produce, and market high-quality differentiated Khadi products in the Indian and global markets. It is a Center for experimentation, innovation, and design for khadi fabrics, apparel, accessories, and home fashions.
The Centre of Excellence for Khadi aims to elevate Khadi’s global presence by developing new fabrics and products aligned with seasonal colour forecasts and fashion trends. It sets quality standards for high-end domestic and international markets while crafting compelling narratives around these innovations to strengthen branding and publicity. The Centre focuses on visual merchandising, packaging, and expanding Khadi’s reach through fashion shows and exhibitions. It also serves as a catalyst for small-scale production of selected designs for retail at Khadi Bhawan, addresses gaps through capacity-building programs for Khadi institutions, and assists KVIC in designing and curating Khadi stores to enhance the customer experience of Khadi India.
