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All votes for khadi

KHADI’S COOL It’s the fabric for all seasons

It is election time and it is not uncommon to see politicians sporting khadi, the humble fabric of India. Those in the business of khadi are busy tailoring white kurta-pyjamas for politicians and their supporters. Endorsement of khadi by suave, young politicians such as Rahul Gandhi, Sachin Pilot and Jyotiraditya Scindia has given the much-needed boost to the fabric. At a time when recession is crippling other businesses, the khadi industry seems to be flourishing.

Rahul Gandhi teams his khadi kurta-pyjama with a sleeveless black jacket and quirky shoes or floaters rather than the customary Kolhapuris or mojris.The debonair Jyotiraditya Scindia makes public appearances wearing well-cut khadi bandhgalas. Omar Abdullah flaunts khadi in different colours. “We have a good collection of kurtas, shirts and T-shirts and there’s no reason why youngsters should not go ga-ga over the range. Politicians wear khadi to be noticed and it lends a touch of exclusivity,” says Prasad, a salesman in a khadi shop. Explaining why politicians prefer white khadi in summer, he says the soaring temperature makes things difficult for the contestants and their supporters during campaigns.

Whether it is a traditional politician who likes to wear his white dhoti with a crisp khadi shirt or a modern one who likes a well-cut shirt teamed with trousers, not many are keen on moving away from this fabric that was once synonymous with India’s freedom struggle.

Although most politicians prefer khadi, not all of them are driven by the true spirit of the hand-woven, indigenous fabric, evoked by Gandhiji. Over the years, khadi has undergone many transformations and youngsters are attracted to it like never before. “Once you start wearing khadi, you find it is irresistible,” says M. Chowdhary, a real estate developer.

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