During Independence Day, it's time to reflect on a choice beyond just the material of our national flag—cotton or polyester. This decision represents a more profound choice between two vastly different economies, environmental impacts, and values.
Option 1: The Cotton Khadi Flag
Imagine a farmer cultivating a native variety of cotton alongside vegetables and pulses, providing clothing and nutrition. After ginning, the short to medium staple-length cotton, ideal for manual spinning, is sent to a slivering plant. The roving cotton then goes to the Khadi Sangha, where rural women spin it into yarn on ambara charkas.
From here, village craftspeople wash, starch, warp, wind, and hand weave the yarn. This process, which is carried out with minimal energy and the smallest carbon footprint, results in a Khadi textile. The fabric is dyed, screen-printed, and tailored by many skilled hands. Once everyone in the value chain is fairly compensated, the cotton Khadi flag is sold at Khadi Bhandars nationwide with a modest margin.
By the time you purchase one of these flags, you might lose count of how many people and human hours went into crafting each one. This is more than just a flag—it symbolises a non-violent economy, an upliftment of rural craftspeople, and women empowerment.
Option 2: The Polyester Flag
On the other hand, polyester is made from plastic, a petroleum by-product derived from nonrenewable resources. Its production is controlled by a few powerful companies, and the labour, natural resources, and chemicals involved are nearly invisible in the final product. Polyester's environmental impact is massive, from excessive water and energy use during production to its harmful effects when disposed of.
Under the newly amended national flag code, our flag can now be imported and made of polyester. This machine-made, factory-assembled flag is sold cheaply, but at what cost?
The Real Choice
When you hoist the national flag on your rooftop this Independence Day, remember: the choice isn't just between cotton and polyester; it's between a flag mass-produced and one produced by the masses.
Choose a flag that supports our farmers.
Choose a flag that uplifts rural craftspeople.
Choose a flag that empowers women.
Choose a flag our freedom fighters would be proud of.
Choose a flag that represents a non-violent economy.
Choose a flag that embodies the well-being of our country.
The choice is yours.
