Bihar government, NIFT join hands to revive khadi

The Bihar government and National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Patna have joined hands to rebrand khadi, the indigenous textile with a global appeal in an effort to re-energise Bihar's khadi industry and make the heritage fabric more attractive for youth. To start with it will encourage, assist and promote khadi and village industries, Bihar State Khadi Gramudyog Board, was created under the Department of Industries.

The home-spun brand, popularised by Mahatma Gandhi has somewhat lost its allure over the years, especially among the youth. However, it’s now being refashioned and rejuvenated for the new-age generation. Sanjay Shrivastava, Director, NIFT-Patna stated that Bihar Khadi Board and NIFT-Patna have signed an agreement to this effect and the repositioned brand, christened ‘Santiti’ would be officially launched at the Bihar Pavilion of the ongoing India International Trade Fair 2015. He added that samples of the newly-styled garments have been put on display at the IITF at Pragati Maidan.

Shrivastava further said that the garments have been created keeping in mind the needs and aspirations of the young minds and have been designed from the fabric produced by the weavers of Bihar, sourced through the Khadi Board. Also, due care has been taken to incorporate the current fashion trends to make the garments wearable and fashionable, he said. He added that the primary idea is to ‘reboot’ the khadi industry, and make the youth connect to their heritage.