The Conclave commemorated Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary and 100 years of Khadi. It was also a celebration of ‘Khadi’ as the fabric of the nation and the embodiment of the Mahatma’s vision.

The day-long conclave with the Theme ‘Moving towards global sustainable development for the future of mankind’ was organised with the objective to promote Khadi as global sustainable fabric and bring it to mainstream as a style statement.

As the world is getting more and more sensitive towards the environment, sustainable fabrics are in demand the importance of sustainability has played a crucial role in the resurrection of Khadi. Handwoven Khadi has gained worldwide appreciation as it is durable, climate-friendly, zero carbon, biodegradable, water conserving, long lasting and organic in nature. With the growing awareness of sustainability, the demand for Khadi has increased.”
Said Ms Pinky Reddy, President, FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO).

“Khadi is also symbol of women empowerment as most of weavers in India are women, it is important to bring Khadi to mainstream, this will help weavers especially women to continue doing what they do the best as well as create more jobs. Charkhas need to travel back from museums, colleges and fashion events to weaver’s huts “, said Ms Pinky Reddy.

“Our endeavour is multidimensional – Ideological, economic and social. Our endeavour was to bring together all stakeholders from the industry, government, fashion fraternity and others in one single platform and create a roadmap to boost the sector and make it the national fabric of India in the truest sense”, she further added.

AIWEFA President, Ms Asha Chandra, said, “Khadi Goes Global: empowerment of rural women to achieve the 2030 agenda for change” has the potential to provide additional livelihoods for farm women to raise their standards of living and revive traditional crafts”.

The major highlights of the day-long conclave was a Khadi Exhibition in conjunction with Concern India Foundation and Pause for a Cause. The exhibition featured exhibitors from different parts of the country from leading designers to grass root craftspersons.

Speaker Sessions on “What’s Next in Khadi” was organised with Speakers such as Sunaina Suneja, Antonio M. Grioli, Sandhya Raman, Shazia Amanat, Rta Kapoor Chisti, Prof Charu Smita, Mandeep Nagi, Madhu Sood, Ambika Magotra and Jyotsna Kapur.

This will be followed by an afternoon Fashion presentation by Shades of India and upcoming Khadi designers.

The Inaugural session was addressed by Dr Arun Kumar Panda, Secretary, MSME and Smt Ranjeeta Kant, Eminent artist.

The highlight of the Conclave was the National Award Ceremony, felicitating the promoters and producers of Khadi from across the country. “We would like to acknowledge the painstaking efforts made by designers, artisans, facilitators and others in keeping the tradition of Khadi alive. In recognition of their outstanding contribution, we gave the National Awards to the promoters and producers of Khadi.” said, Pinky Reddy.

The Awardees were: Rohit Bal; Wendell Rodricks, Rajesh Pratap Singh; Concern India Foundation; Shripal Shah Asal; Chaman Siju; Lajwanti; Rta Kapoor Chishti; Rashmi Bharti; Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee and Shubhangi Nitin Mahajan.

A Compendium on ” Empowerment of Rural Women to Achieve the 2030 Agenda For Development- Case Studies From Khadi Promoters In India” was released on the occasion.

The Conclave had the presence of eminent personalities such as Sukanya Bharat Ram, President of Kasturba Gandhi Memorial Trust, Delhi, Zafar Chaudhary, Partner -Habitat Architects; Mandeep Nagi, Design Director- Shades of India; Sita Nanda, Founder – Design workshop amongst others.

The “Khadi Goes Global” event also saw a dance performance titled “An Ode To Mahatma” by Geeta Chandran and Sandhya Raman.

Ace Fashion designers such as Rohit Bal, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Abu-Sandeep and Rina Dhaka along with Bollywood actors Arjun Rampal and Aditi Rao Hydari celebrated the centennial of Khadi and presented the fabric as a style statement on the runway.