Thiruvananthapuram: Describing khadi as far more than just a fabric, Kerala Health and Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan said on Thursday that it had evolved into the very spirit and emotion of India through its association with the country's freedom struggle.
Muraleedharan said that Mahatma Gandhi transformed khadi into a symbol of national unity through the Swadeshi movement during the freedom struggle.
"By encouraging the boycott of foreign textiles and promoting indigenous products, khadi played a decisive role in mobilising people across the country for the fight for Independence," he added.
"Khadi is not merely a garment. It represents the soul of the nation and the emotions of millions who participated in India's struggle for freedom," the Minister said.
He noted that the khadi sector has today expanded well beyond traditional hand spun textiles and has diversified into the production of footwear, village industry products and a wide range of value-added goods.
"A majority of those employed in the sector are women, making khadi an important source of livelihood and a major contributor to the rural economy," he added.
The Minister said that Kerala remains the state that extends the highest level of support to the khadi sector in the country.
The state government continues to provide various forms of assistance, including income support to workers, helping sustain the traditional industry.
"Despite intense competition from inexpensive imported textiles, khadi products have been able to secure a strong presence even in overseas markets because of their quality and uniqueness," he added.
Muraleedharan also reaffirmed the state government's policy of giving preference to khadi products in government departments and institutions wherever feasible.
The Onam Khadi Mela, which will be held from July 23 to August 25 in the state capital city offers a government rebate of up to 30 per cent on khadi products.
Government, semi-government and bank employees can also avail themselves of credit facilities up to Rs 1 lakh for purchases.
--IANS
