School to celebrate Khadi Day, display Bapu’s charkha

Students of Somaiya School at Vidyavihar will get to see the charkha (spinning wheel) used by Mahatma Gandhi during his era in their school premises from Tuesday. The spinning wheel belongs to Godavari Thakkar, great grandmother of Samir Somaiya, who is the President of Somaiya Vidyavihar.

“The spinning wheel belongs to my mother’s grandmother, Godavari Thakkar. It is donated to Somaiya Vidyavihar institute by Anil Thakkar in the memory of his parents Godavari and Luvji Thakkar as they wished to donate it to an institution which believed in Gandhiji’s principle,” said Somaiya.

The spinning wheel has been an important part of Mahatma Gandhi’s life since it was a symbol of economic freedom and peace. Till date it was at Thakkar’s home and will be given to the institute on Tuesday. Samir Somaiya and Tushar Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi will discuss about the importance of the spinning wheel with the students.

Talking about the history of the spinning wheel, Somaiya, said, “Godavari Thakkar was an active freedom fighter. Once Mahatma Gandhi visited their home during the freedom movement. He has used this charkha to spin khadi on it. Till date it has been at their home.”

The institute is planning to celebrate this day as a Khadi Day  and the students will be dressed up in khadi clothes.