



Dilip Guha ★ New Delhi :: The recently concluded immersive exhibition at the Gandhi-King Memorial Plaza at the India International Center (IIC) in New Delhi was not just a display of textiles but a narrative of India’s soul, encapsulated within the threads of Khadi. The exhibition, which ran from 18th to 22nd October 2024, was a testament to the fabric’s evolution from a symbol of India’s struggle for independence to its current status as an icon of sustainable fashion.
The event was part of the “Kalpavriksha” festival, celebrating the arts, the national movement for freedom, and the identity of the IIC. It was here that Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Chairman Mr. Manoj Kumar, alongside IIC Director Mr. K.N. Srivastava, unveiled the theme “Khadi: The Fabric of Freedom, The Language of Fashion.” This theme resonated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting Khadi not just as a fabric but as a fashion statement.
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 the Ministry of MSME at NIFT, and Ministry of Textile with Sunaina Suneja, a textile revivalist, deeply engaged with khadi and the charkha (spinning wheel) brought forth an exhibition that was both educational and inspirational.
The call by KVIC chairman Mr. Kumar at the inauguration to embrace Khadi during the festive season is more than a commercial appeal; it is an invitation to participate in the cultural and economic upliftment of the artisans and craftsmen whose skillful hands spin and weave magic into the threads of Khadi. Purchasing Khadi products not only supports the livelihood of these artisans but also helps in spreading festive joy to their households.
In a conversation with Dr Sudha Dingra, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Khadi, she said, “Khadi has remained relevant over time. From symbolizing the freedom movement to representing conscious living and sustainability, it has undergone a long journey to finally be accepted as a fashion fabric. Many top designers are now experimenting with khadi to appeal to younger global consumers.”
Visitors were taken on a journey through time, witnessing the transformation of Khadi from a humble hand-spun cloth to a modern fashion staple. The exhibition showcased an array of Khadi garments, from traditional sarees to contemporary home textiles, all bearing the hallmark of sustainable and ethical fashion. The designs, developed by COEK’s team, were a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern aesthetics, highlighting the versatility and timelessness of Khadi.
The exhibition served as a platform to showcase the evolution of Khadi. It educates and inspires by demonstrating how Khadi has transcended its material form to become a symbol of India’s past, present, and future. The exhibition, segmented into four parts, takes visitors on a transformative journey through Khadi’s pivotal role in India’s fight for freedom, its cultural significance, and its current status as a sustainable and fashionable textile.
Khadi’s journey mirrors the nation’s journey — one of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering spirit. It is a fabric that embodies the principles of simplicity, sustainability, and sovereignty. As Khadi continues to clothe the nation, it also clothes the nation’s aspirations, making it clear that Khadi is not just a fabric — it’s the fabric of India’s heritage and its future.
The exhibition on Khadi not only highlighted its historical importance but also its evolution into a symbol of sustainable and responsible fashion. The Khadi Timelines exhibition provided a visual journey through India’s struggle for independence, with Mahatma Gandhi’s endorsements underscoring its significance. The live demonstrations at the Experience Centre offered a hands-on understanding of the traditional spinning techniques, preserving the authenticity of Khadi. Modern designs at the exhibition illustrated the adaptability of Khadi, merging traditional weaving methods with contemporary fashion trends. The availability of genuine Khadi products for purchase brought the experience full circle, allowing visitors to take home a piece of this cultural heritage. The Center of Excellence for Khadi at NIFT, established by the Ministry of MSME, signifies a step towards nurturing and innovating within the Khadi sector, ensuring that the legacy of this fabric continues to inspire and evolve within the fashion industry and beyond.
The exhibition was successfully able to trace the transformative journey of Khadi and its role in fostering a conscious approach to living and fashion. It positioned Khadi as more than just a fabric; it serves as a narrative of India’s heritage, a canvas for artistic expression, and a beacon of sustainable living. As the exhibition came to a close, the legacy of Khadi continued to weave itself into the fabric of modern society, demonstrating that sustainability and style can coexist and that the threads of history can shape the future. Khadi remains a symbol of India’s past, present, and future, embodying the spirit of innovation within the realm of tradition…
