New Delhi: Union Minister of MSME, Government of India, Jitan Ram Manjhi, inaugurated the special Khadi exhibition at I.N.A. Delhi Haat on October 18, 2024, alongside Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Chairman, Manoj Kumar. The exhibition is part of the nationwide 'Khadi Mahotsav,' aimed at promoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Vocal for Local' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' campaigns and boosting the income of Khadi artisans. Organised by the State Office of KVIC, New Delhi, the exhibition will run until October 31.
The exhibition features 157 stalls from 55 Khadi institutions and 102 village industry units representing various states, including Delhi, Rajasthan, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Bengal, Haryana, and Jammu. A wide range of Khadi and village industry products are on display, including sarees, readymade garments, handicrafts, herbal and Ayurvedic products, leather goods, handmade paper products, pickles, spices, soaps, shampoos, honey, and more, all available for purchase. Artisans and craftsmen participating in the exhibition will also provide live demonstrations of their diverse product range.
During the inauguration event, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi urged citizens to purchase more Khadi and local products. He made a special appeal to the people of Delhi to visit the exhibition for their festive shopping and support the 'Vocal for Local' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' campaigns, in line with the Prime Minister's vision. He further stated that the exhibition aims to strengthen the economic condition of rural artisans and traditional craftsmen, empowering them and preserving India's vibrant heritage of indigenous craftsmanship. The exhibition provides an excellent platform for artisans across the country to showcase their work.
KVIC Chairman Manoj Kumar also addressed the media, stating, "Following the visionary approach of Mahatma Gandhi and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the proponent of 'New Khadi for a New India,' the Khadi and Village Industries sector surpassed a business turnover of ₹1.55 lakh crore in the last financial year, directly benefiting Khadi artisans across the country. Recently, on Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), the wages of spinners working on the charkha (spinning wheel) were increased by 25%, and the wages of weavers working on the loom were raised by 7%. This is a reflection of the government's commitment to this sector."
The Chairman also noted that, in his popular 'Mann Ki Baat' program, Prime Minister Modi urged citizens to buy 'Made in India' products. Following this appeal, on Gandhi Jayanti, Delhi residents set a new record by purchasing Khadi products worth ₹2 crore 1 lakh and 37 thousand in a single day at the 'Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan' in New Delhi. This achievement reflects the public's commitment to the 'Vocal for Local' and 'Make in India' initiatives.
To enhance the visitor experience, the exhibition will feature live demonstrations showcasing India's traditional arts and craftsmanship, as well as captivating cultural programs. This event not only highlights the country's indigenous craftsmanship but also empowers rural artisans economically by providing them with a platform to display their skills.
The event was attended by officials and employees of the Ministry of MSME and KVIC.
BI Bureau
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