With a new swanky address in the State capital to boast of, khadi is looking forward to growing from its freedom struggle days’ legacy to a modern day brand name in Jharkhand along with strengthening the livelihood prospects associated with it.
The joint retail and administrative complex of Jharkhand State Khadi and Village Industries Board and Jharcraft not only houses the entire range of khadi and indigenous products they have to offer but also acts as a training and marketing hub for those working with khadi as well as a museum depicting life of Mahatma Gandhi.
The ground floor of the building has been made into a store cum godown for the products of Jharkhand State Khadi and Village Industries Board. The range of products includes ethnic apparel for men and women, handbags, blankets, mats, cosmetics, incense sticks and show pieces.
“These products are made in our manufacturing centres in Saraikela, Garhwa, Simariya, Chandil and other locations in the State. The centres are manned by workers selected under the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP),” informed a store official.
The cotton and silk yarn that goes into making these garments is also produced at the facility using modernised versions of charkha (spinning wheel). The ground floor godown cum shopping space is used to store these fibres along with rest of the merchandise.
The facility includes a Readymade Stitching Training Centre where 42 women trainees from Ranchi are being trained in the craft of making khadi apparels. They presently produce shirts, kurtas and waistcoats made of khadi. Equipped with hi-tech sewing machines and ironing equipments, the Centre is at par with any modern day textile production facility.
Visitors can also take a peek into the life of Father of the Nation at the Mahatma Gandhi Museum located on the second floor of the building. Pictures, sourced from khadi board’s own archives, depicting his childhood days, his time as a barrister or an ambulance driver during Anglo-Boer Wars, till the end of his days have been put on display here.“This place is a well-balanced blend of employment, marketing as well as Gandhi Darshan, making it one of a kind establishment,” said Jainandu, Chairman of Jharkhand Khadi Board.
In coming days, this building will also become the centre for competitive marketing strategies to promote khadi. We will soon be advertising our products within and outside Jharkhand, Jainandu said.