Dilip Guha, Sasraya News ★ New Delhi : Chairman Manoj Goel inaugurates Khadi India Pavilion, highlighting innovation, sustainability and global aspirations for India’s iconic fabric
Bharat Tex 2026, India’s flagship global textile event and the world’s largest integrated textile value chain exhibition, opened on Tuesday, 14th july 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking its third edition with record national and international participation. The four-day event has brought together thousands of buyers, manufacturers, designers, entrepreneurs, policymakers and industry leaders from across the globe.
On the opening day, Shri Manoj Goel, Chairman, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), inaugurated the Khadi India Pavilion at Hall No. 10. He later toured the pavilion, interacting with exhibitors, artisans and representatives of Khadi institutions from across the country. Senior officials of KVIC and the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK) were also present.
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The KVIC pavilion showcases an extensive range of Khadi and Village Industries products, design-led innovations and exclusive collections from Khadi institutions across India. Visitors can explore contemporary apparel, home linen, home décor, innovation-driven lifestyle products, indigenous fibre-based creations and displays of traditional Khadi tools.
A major attraction of the pavilion is its theme, “Khadi Reimagined: Tradition for Contemporary Living,” which reflects KVIC’s efforts to position Khadi as a modern, sustainable lifestyle brand while preserving its traditional identity. Among its highlights is the special collection developed under “Naye Bharat Ki Nayi Khadi – Khadi for Nation, Khadi for Fashion, Khadi for Transformation,” aimed at making Khadi more aspirational for younger consumers.
During his visit, Shri Goel explored the exhibits and remarked that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Khadi—the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi—has evolved beyond being merely a fabric to become a powerful symbol of India’s heritage, self-reliance, sustainability and the empowerment of millions of rural artisans. He said Khadi today plays a significant role in realizing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, Local to Global and Viksit Bharat 2047.
The Chairman stressed that Khadi represents far more than textiles.
“Khadi is not merely a fabric. It represents the livelihoods of millions of artisans and weavers, India’s cultural heritage and its commitment to sustainable development.”
He further said that the Khadi India Pavilion demonstrates how research, design and innovation are shaping the ‘New Khadi of New India’ to meet the aspirations of the younger generation as well as the requirements of global markets. Today, Khadi has expanded beyond apparel to establish a distinct identity in contemporary lifestyle products and international fashion.
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West Bengal’s ‘Mula’ Jamdani Collection Impresses
Among the standout exhibits at the pavilion is the ‘Mula’ Jamdani collection presented by Ghoranash Silk Khadi Gramodyog Samity of West Bengal.
Inspired by the geometric vocabulary of Tantra art, Mula reinterprets circles, triangles and bindu-inspired motifs through the intricate Jamdani weaving tradition. The collection comprises saris, dresses and coordinated ensembles featuring clean, minimalist silhouettes that allow the woven textiles to remain the focal point while seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics.
Shri Goel paid special attention to the collection and appreciated the institution’s efforts to successfully combine the centuries-old Jamdani weaving technique with modern design sensibilities. He observed that such innovative initiatives would play a significant role in establishing a stronger global identity for Indian Khadi and handcrafted textiles.
‘The Picture of Khadi is Changing’
Speaking to this reporter, Shri Goel said the transformation of Khadi is now clearly visible.
“The picture of Khadi is changing. What you see today is the New Khadi of a New India—a fresh look and vibrant identity inspired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision. This is the living embodiment of his mantra: Khadi for Fashion, Khadi for Nation and Khadi for Transformation.”
He added: “Across the country, people are embracing Khadi wholeheartedly. Our new products, contemporary colours and modern packaging demonstrate that we are moving from ‘Vocal for Local’ to ‘Local to Global.’ Through Khadi, we are showing India’s youth that Khadi today represents fashion, innovation and transformation.”
Describing the pavilion as a reflection of a changing India, he said it demonstrates how tradition and innovation can coexist, making Khadi not only a symbol of India’s heritage but also a marker of modern identity and global aspiration.
Centre of Excellence Driving Khadi Innovation
A key force behind this transformation is the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK), established in 2021 by KVIC in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). Functioning as a dedicated design and innovation hub, CoEK works closely with Khadi institutions across India to develop contemporary products, strengthen design capabilities and create new narratives around Khadi through branding, storytelling and market-oriented interventions.
Sector Achieves Record Growth
In an official statement, Shri Goel said the Khadi and Village Industries sector has registered unprecedented growth under the Government’s policy initiatives. During FY 2025–26, the sector recorded a turnover of over ₹1.87 lakh crore while generating employment for more than 2.04 crore people across the country.
Expressing confidence in the sector’s future, he said sustained growth would enable Khadi and Village Industries to achieve a turnover of ₹2.51 lakh crore in the coming years.
Bharat Tex 2026 is being held from 14 to 17 July at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Through the Khadi India Pavilion, KVIC is presenting India’s rich Khadi heritage alongside its growing strengths in design, innovation and sustainable manufacturing, reinforcing Khadi’s emergence as a contemporary global lifestyle brand while remaining deeply rooted in Indian tradition.
Feature photo : West Bengal’s ‘Mula’ Jamdani Collection Impresses
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