Khadi: The Way Forward!

Samir Alam gives a lowdown on khadi and explores various facets of the khadi industry.

- Samir Alam

Khadi has come a long way from its humble origin as a cloth of the people. From being a symbol of self-reliance during the Indian struggle for independence, khadi is now a key source of livelihood for millions across the country. Currently, there are over 12 lakh people across the country who work directly in the khadi industry, with many more attached in peripheral capacities. However, the outdated image of this fabric merely being for old school aesthetics or the show of classic Indianness is no longer true. Recent changes in the tastes of both consumers and designers seems to indicate that khadi may be making a revival. However, the question of the industry’s future is just as uncertain as the consumers’ tastes in fashion.

KHADI CONTROL IN INDIA