Kerala   

Movement for self-reliance

An exhibition that showcased vintage photographs of the life of Mahatma Gandhi and the efficacy of the Swadeshi movement was held at the Gandhi Griham in Kozhikode to carry forward the campaign of self-reliance.

Organised by the Gandhi Centre for Rural Development in association with Gandhi Peace Foundation Trust and Swadeshi Trust as part of the observance of the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the exhibition was aimed at making people understand the tenets of Gandhi. It interpreted self-reliance in a practical way," said Jacob Pulikkan, Director, Gandhi Centre for Rural Development, Thiruvananthapuram. The three - part exhibition, which began on February 8 and concluded on Sunday, featured a collection of photographs of the different stages of the life of Mahatma Gandhi, posters giving detailed description and interpretation of the Swadeshi initiative and an exhibition of products manufactured under the Swadeshi brand name. A poem, reportedly the only one Mahatma Gandhi wrote, titled `Swaraj' evoked the curiosity of visitors. Detailed information on how to make a real good cup of tea, or chutney powder that will have a longer shelf life also caught their attention.

"This is a silent, low-profile initiative in which scores of persons are involved in self-employment ventures to manufacture diverse products, including squashes, umbrellas, herbal shampoo and soaps. The strength of the programme is that it is self-supporting, providing a link to the needs and income of the people," adds Dr. Pulikkan.

The basic objective of the month-long programme held in Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram besides Kozhikode was to propagate the concept of "production by the masses, as opposed to mass production and maximum exploitation of local resources through local employment ventures for the benefit of the majority."

Despite marketing problems and competition, Swadeshi products have managed to corner a section of the consumer segment.

Maleeha Raghaviah

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