The 10-day division-level Khadi and village industry products exhibition was inaugurated on Tuesday by MSME, Khadi and Village Industries Minister Rakesh Sachan at Brijendra Swarup Park in Kanpur, reinforcing Khadi’s cultural and economic importance.

More than 105 vendors representing states such as Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh are participating, showcasing an extensive range of handcrafted Khadi and village industry products.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Rakesh Sachan emphasised that Khadi is more than a piece of cloth. It embodies an idea and a mindset rooted in national pride and self-reliance. “Khadi is not just a fabric but a thought,” he said, invoking the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Sachan also referenced the Prime Minister’s slogan “Khadi for fashion and Khadi for nation,” encouraging citizens to support the village industries by purchasing and promoting Khadi products.

The exhibition aims to promote traditional craftsmanship and local entrepreneurship, giving artisans a platform to reach broader audiences and generate income from their heritage skills.

Exhibition Highlights

• Diverse Participation: Artisans and entrepreneurs from multiple Indian states showcase textiles, handmade crafts, and products from village industries.

• Cultural & Economic Showcase: The event celebrates Khadi’s legacy while promoting modern consumer interest in handcrafted goods.

• Public Engagement: The minister urged people to visit the exhibition in large numbers to support rural industries.

Khadi, a hand-spun and hand-woven fabric, has historically symbolised India’s freedom struggle and self-reliance, championed by Mahatma Gandhi and woven deeply into the country’s cultural fabric.