:: Weavers Studio

KHADI- as a fabric has allured the people of India ever since it has been popularised by the father of the Indian freedom struggle, Mahatma Gandhi. As the symbol of Swadeshi or self reliance it evoked immense response from the Indian people during the freedom struggle as part of the non-cooperation movement. Apart from being a fabric it is an embodiment of the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi for a new social order stressing on the need of recognising one's skill and using it to be self reliant both financially and psychologically.,a metaphor for freedom in a holistic sense that coincided with the freedom struggle- the Fabric of freedom.

He spoke of non-violence which he memorably described as "the first article of my faith and the last article of my creed" He said, " the spinning wheel represents to me the hope of the masses bringing about a silent and sure revolution"

The first step was to spin and weave one's own requirement of clothing and boycott all foreign cloth. The charkha and khadi thus became the symbol of swaraj- Independence. On 15th August 1947 Gandhiji sat alone, spinning on his charkha at a place called Beliaghata in Eastern Calcutta. The Father of the Nation was not present at the Birth of the Nation. As bombs pound Afghanistan and religious fanatics attempt to hold the world at ransom, it is well worth pondering if Gandhi, his life and ideals are of any consequence in today;s world. Khadi- the word derived from "khadder" means hand reeled, hand spun hand woven cotton fabric. Khadi the word in the 21st century evokes mixed responses. For most Indians today Khadi has the image and sensation of a comfortable, affordable, homespun cotton fabric. To share with you some facts and figures:- a hank of 40's count yarn fetches a mere Rs 10/- including all the preparatory processes and raw material cost.