SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Nov1: IIT Indian School of Mines (ISM) Dhanbad students, faculty members, and authorities celebrated Khadi Mahotsav and held an exhibition of various products.
Khadi and Village Industry Commission of the Ministry of MSME organized the ‘ Mahotsav’ in association with the ACIC IIT ISM foundation to promote Khadi and village industries.
East Zone of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Chairman Manoj Kumar Singh, while addressing the Mahotsav, said that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014 the annual turnover of Khadi Gramodyog was Rs 20,000-22,000 crore which has touched Rs 1.34 lakh crore in the last nine years.
“This Rs 1.34 lakh crore has not gone to any four families but benefited thousands of families, “ he said. Singh further added that there is enough potential to increase this turnover of Rs 5 lakh crore per annum if a little support is extended through technology and consumers.
“If a little sensitivity is generated in the society about the Khadi products then the Indian economy will be among the three largest economies of the world and it will be among the two greatest economies of the globe when we celebrate 100 years of our independence,” said the chairman.
IIT ISM Director Prof J K Pattanayak, who presided over the function, said that the Prime Minister‘s saying of ‘Khadi for Nation and Khadi for Fashion’ means that if Khadi doesn’t match the fashion sense of the young generation then it should be designed in such a way so that it attracts them.
The Director lauded the effort of the KVIC and the ACIC IIT ISM Foundation for organizing Khadi Mahotsav. Deputy director Prof Dheeraj Kumar, on the occasion, said the basic idea behind organizing the Khadi Mahtosav is to promote the idea of ‘Vocal for Local’ and Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan as envisioned by the Prime Minister.
Prof Saumya Singh, president of the ACIC IIT ISM Foundation, in her address, said the basic aim behind organizing the Khadi Mahotsav is creating an environment where our local products can compete with the global products.
Akansha Sinha, chief executive officer of ACIC IIT ISM Foundation was also present on the occasion.
