VP says technology should be used to upgrade Khadi and promote it as brand

As many as 150 Potters from different parts of the country had gathered at Morbi in Gujarat – the birthplace of Rashtrapita – to produce this Mural, which was commissioned by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkiah Naidu has urged all politicians to make it a mission to promote Khadi by wearing it. Speaking after unveiling a 150-square-metre Wall Mural of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, made of Terracotta Kullads, in New Delhi today, to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, he said 'it certainly is a Tribute with a Difference'.

As many as 150 Potters from different parts of the country had gathered at Morbi in Gujarat – the birthplace of Rashtrapita – to produce this Mural, which was commissioned by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).

The Vice President said that the latest technology should be used to upgrade Khadi and emphasized the need for promoting it as a brand.

Calling for developing rural areas on par with urban regions, Shri Naidu said that said that growth would not have real meaning unless it touched the lives of people living in rural areas. Growth has to be inclusive and all amenities available in urban areas need to be provided in the rural areas as advocated by the former President, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam under the PURA concept.

Urging everyone to encourage ancient Indian crafts and Swadeshi spirit, Shri Naidu cautioned against growing lifestyle diseases due to sedentary living and unhealthy dietary habits. He said there was a need to return to our roots by eating healthy food, practising yoga and spirituality.

Referring to Mural containing the image of Gandhi Ji, he said it was a true reflection of the Father of the Nation's belief in the potential of craftsmanship and village industries. It reflects the unique cultural mosaic of India.

Observing that the concept of making this grand Wall Mural came after the huge success of KVIC's 'Kumhaar Sashaktikaran Yojana' in Varanasi where Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi had distributed 280 electric potter wheels along with blungers, pug-mills and kilns to 300 potter families, he said it had not only increased the income of village potters by four to five times but also enhanced their output in the same ratio. "This is an example of how upgradation of skills and technological advancement can transform rural economy", he added.

Urging everyone to practice some of the essential values Gandhi Ji stood for like 'empathy' and 'service', 'truth' and 'non-violence', 'inclusion' and 'sustainable development', he said "Let each one of us shape a new India that Gandhiji and other leaders had dreamt of just as the potters have given shape to a dream creation through their deft hands".

The Minister of State (I/C) for MSME, Shri Giriraj Singh, the Member of Parliament from New Delhi, Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, the Chairman NDMC, Shri Naresh Kumar, the Chairman KVIC, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

(With Inputs from PIB)