After exhibiting a vivid display of locally produced merchandise from rural areas in 25 States of India before the denizens of Ranchi, the Khadi and Saras Mela -2016 came to an end on Wednesday.
Organised by Jharkhand State Khadi and Village Industries Board, the fair offered its visitors handicrafts and artworks from 500 artisans. Ranging between furniture to apparels and medicines to home decoration, the Mela was a jolly affair for buyers and sellers alike.
Speaking on the conclusion ceremony, Governor Droupadi Murmu said, “Mahatma Gandhi emphasised on making the people of India self-dependent using khadi. Although India is progressing economically, there is a substantial part of the nation’s populace, which is still not receiving the benefits of this growth. Fulfilling the basic needs of this group is a challenge for us and Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘khadi and village industries model’ can be very helpful in this regard.”
Khadi, which used to be identified with the Indian freedom struggle, has now emerged as our national identity, she added. “Khadi has become a subject of national interest. It holds the potential to employ crores of artisans and workers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also called khadi a good employment opportunity,” said the Governor.
She further added, “The PM has also supported the increasing use of technology in khadi. Successful use of solar spinning wheel has increased productivity with lessened effort. This should be promoted by Khadi Board among the people and provide them handholding support, if needed.”
Khadi can become the means to improve the economic condition of many, given that its products are manufactured as per the needs of the market and at affordable prices, said the Governor.