In a recent survey on our social media, we asked a pertinent question: "Is there a lack of awareness about khadi amongst consumers?" The response was overwhelming, with 88% saying 'yes.' This has sparked a conversation on the responsibilities of creating awareness. Should the onus be on buyers asking more questions and seeking knowledge? Should it be the responsibility of the primary producers like Khadi sanghas, Bhandars, KVIC, or the MSME ministry? Or does the responsibility fall on brands like ours, often seen as middlemen?
The truth is, almost everyone in the country has heard of khadi and is aware of it. However, misconceptions abound. Here, we aim to clear some of those and shed light on the reality of this iconic fabric.
1. Historical Misconceptions: Khadi was not discovered in the 1930s. Spinning and weaving have been part of Indian culture for decades, with Gandhiji reviving the process during the independence movement. Khadi has no political party affiliations; it symbolizes self-reliance and simplicity.
2. Organic Misconceptions: Khadi does not inherently mean organic. It can be, but it often isn't. Many Khadi institutes have little to no connection with local cotton farmers, indigenous or organic.
3. Carbon Footprint Misconceptions: While khadi isn't a zero-carbon footprint fabric, it has a lower environmental impact than many textiles. The production process involves machines and electricity but still supports sustainable practices.
4. Fabric Misconceptions: Not all coarse fabrics are khadi, and not all thin fabrics are muslin. Understanding the skill and the variety of cotton used in making khadi is crucial. Many simple khadi textiles can be power-loom woven and mistakenly sold as handwoven.
5. Certification Misconceptions: Khadi isn't GI tagged but is trademarked. Only certified Khadi institutes or private parties who have bought the rights from the Khadi commission can use the term.
6. Spinning Misconceptions: Khadi sometimes means the yarn is handspun. Often, the cotton undergoes various modern spinning processes, like box, Ambara, and solar charakas.
7. Sustainability Misconceptions: Khadi isn't sustainable on its own. Sustainability requires a closed-loop economy around it, ensuring fair working conditions and wages.
8. Dye Misconceptions: Not all khadi is eco-friendly. Some dyes used are harmful, while azo-free and natural dyes are better options.
9. Price Misconceptions: Khadi is often more expensive than handloom cotton textiles. Certified outlets may offer subsidized prices, but the actual value of the fabric is higher than perceived.
10. Diversity Misconceptions: Khadi fabrics vary in look and feel depending on where they're woven. Khadi can be made from cotton, silk, and wool, but fabrics mixed with polyester should be called poly-vastra.
11. Organizational Misconceptions: Khadi comes under the MSME ministry, not the textile ministry. The process is more centralized and hierarchical than desirable.
12. Mass Production Misconceptions: Khadi's essence lies in its decentralized production and sales rather than mass production. It should be about impacting lives more than increasing meterage.
At Metaphor Racha, we are passionate about khadi. We don't use the word for monetary gain but to educate and inspire. Khadi's success lies in its ability to touch lives and foster self-sufficiency, not just in the number of meters produced. We invite you to explore khadi, understand its value, and contribute to a sustainable future.
