Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel purchased Khadi garments at a Khadi Gramodyog Haat in Gandhinagar on October 2, marking Gandhi Jayanti and supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to promote indigenous products.
Patel made the purchase at the outlet operated by Saurashtra Rachnatmak Samiti and completed the transaction through digital payment.
The visit followed his participation in a Sarva Dharma Prayer Meeting at Kirti Mandir in Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi.
The Chief Minister’s purchase highlighted the connection between Khadi, self-reliance and the livelihoods of artisans associated with the traditional textile industry.
PM Modi’s ‘Khadi for Nation, Khadi for Fashion’ Appeal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to purchase at least one Khadi product on Gandhi Jayanti and take pride in calling it Swadeshi.
The appeal forms part of his broader message, “Khadi for Nation, Khadi for Fashion”, which seeks to connect the traditional fabric with contemporary consumption.
Modi also highlighted Mahatma Gandhi’s emphasis on Swadeshi and described Khadi as an important part of that philosophy.
The Prime Minister’s message encouraged people to support local production and families dependent on the Khadi sector.
Digital Payment Adds to the Initiative
Patel’s purchase was completed digitally, linking the promotion of traditional products with the use of cashless transactions.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the initiative was intended to encourage wider adoption of Khadi while supporting families associated with weaving.
Energy Minister Rushikesh Patel, MLA Ritaben Patel and other office-bearers accompanied the Chief Minister during the visit.
Patel also appealed to people in Gujarat to purchase Khadi and locally made products during the upcoming festive season.
Gujarat Announces 30% Incentive on Khadi Products
Separately, the Gujarat government announced a 30 per cent special market incentive on Khadi and polyvastra products.
The incentive will remain applicable from October 2 to December 31, 2026, at participating outlets associated with recognised Khadi institutions and cooperatives.
The initiative is aimed at increasing demand for traditional textile products and supporting artisans, weavers and village industries.
The festive-season incentive is also expected to encourage consumers to consider locally produced garments and textiles.
Patel Pays Tribute to Gandhi in Porbandar
Earlier in the day, Patel visited Kirti Mandir in Porbandar and paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 157th birth anniversary.
He also attended a Sarva Dharma Prayer Meeting organised to mark the occasion.
Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia, spiritual speaker Ramesh Oza and other dignitaries were present.
Addressing the gathering, Patel recalled Gandhi’s principles of truth, non-violence, Sarvodaya and universal brotherhood.
He also highlighted the importance of mutual respect among different faiths and traditions in maintaining social harmony.
Khadi’s Connection with Gandhi’s Swadeshi Movement
Khadi holds a significant place in India’s freedom movement. Mahatma Gandhi promoted hand-spun and handwoven fabric as part of the Swadeshi movement, encouraging people to support domestic production.
The fabric became associated with self-reliance, rural employment and resistance to dependence on imported textiles.
Today, the Khadi sector includes artisans, weavers, village industries, cooperatives and recognised production institutions.
Government incentives and promotional campaigns are among the measures used to encourage demand for these products.
Focus on Local Artisans and Traditional Industries
Patel’s Gandhi Jayanti purchase and the state’s incentive announcement have brought renewed attention to Gujarat’s Khadi sector.
The government has linked the initiative to supporting weaver families and encouraging local production.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s appeal seeks to expand Khadi’s appeal beyond its traditional association with the freedom struggle.
With the festive shopping season approaching, the state government’s incentive will remain in effect until December 31.
The initiatives place Khadi, digital transactions and support for local artisans at the centre of Gujarat’s Gandhi Jayanti observance.