When it is Tuesday at Kannada University, Hampi, it must be khadi. Starting from the Vice-Chancellor to the teaching and non-teaching staff, and students, it is mandatory to sport any attire made of khadi.
Thanks to the initiative taken up by Mallika Ghanti, Vice-Chancellor, wearing khadi one day in the week is now mandatory on the campus.
“The aim of observing ‘Khadi Day’ is to protect khadi and the village industries from the onslaught of globalisation. Also, using khadi cloth and other products will help the artisans who earn a living from it.
“Making use of khadi would also help inculcate a sense of patriotism and the satisfaction of protecting and nurturing our ‘desi’ culture. What we have done is a very small attempt,” Ms. Ghanti told The Hindu .
All staff members and students, who were contacted, said they were happy about the decision taken by the vice-chancellor. “Wearing khadi, especially during summer, is very comfortable. It also makes us proud that we are wearing a fabric that played a pivotal role during the freedom movement, besides enhancing our patriotism,” they said.
Following the decision, the sale of khadi has been brisk. Group D employees (men) have been provided khadi uniform, and women, saris by the university.
It makes us proud to wear a cloth that played a pivotal role during the freedom movement, besides enhancing our patriotism: students, staff
