Unnecessary Outrage Over Modi Replacing Gandhi on Khadi Diary: PMO

Modi is now seen sitting in the same iconic pose as Gandhi was photographed in.

Modi is seen sitting in the same iconic pose as Gandhi was photographed in. (Photo: IANS)

In a surprise development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ejected Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi in the 2017 wall calendars and table diaries published by the Khadi Village Industries Commission (KVIC), official sources said on Thursday.

An instant controversy erupted when the cover photo of the calendar and diary replaced an iconic photo of Gadhiji with an image of Modi weaving khadi on a large charkha.

Rendered speechless, employees of KVIC at its Vile Parle headquarters staged "a silent, soul-cleansing" protest during lunch hour on Thursday but the PMO’s office called the reaction “unnecessary”.

While Gandhi’s historic picture weaving khadi on a simple wooden charkha, wearing his trademark loin cloth, is legendary and imprinted in the minds of the masses for generations, Modi, in his signature attire of kurta-pyjama-waistcoat, weaves khadi on a slightly modernised charkha.

(Photo: IANS)

The KVIC employees gathered and prayed before a statue of Gandhiji installed in the KVIC hall, and later, wearing black bands on their mouths, staged a symbolic protest.

Contacted for comments, KVIC Chairman Vinai Kumar Saxena said this was “not unusual” and that there have been deviations in the past.

The entire khadi industry (udyog) is based on Gandhiji’s philosophy, ideas and ideals, he is the soul of KVIC, so there is no question of ignoring him.

Vinai Kumar Saxena

(Photo: IANS)

He added that Modi has been wearing khadi for a long time, and has popularised it among the masses and even among foreign dignitaries, while developing his own styles around khadi.

In fact, he is khadi’s biggest brand ambassador, and his vision matches KVIC’s, of ‘Make In India’ by making villages self-sufficient, ‘skill development’ by generating employment among the rural masses, infuse modern technology for khadi weaving, innovations and marketing. Plus, the PM is a youth icon. [sic]

However the employees were not convinced.

"We are pained at this systematic easing out of Mahatma Gandhi's ideas, philosophy and ideals by the government. Last year, the first minor attempt was made by including the PM's photos in the calendar," said a senior KVIC staffer, requesting anonymity amid fear of official reprisal.

In fact, in 2016 the staff unions in KVIC had raised the calendar issue strongly with the management and were assured that it would not be repeated in future.

"However, this year it's a total washout. The pictures and teaching of Gandhiji - who created khadi for the poor masses and made it a symbol of 'swadeshi' self-reliance during the struggle for Independence - are completely left out from the calendars and diaries," the staffer rued.

During the four-month period between Gandhi’s birthday on 2 October and his martyrdom on 30 January, the KVIC launches special promotions and offers special rebates to boost khadi sales across India.

Incidentally, Modi already has a khadi garment unofficially named after him - the casual, half-sleeved 'Modi Kurta' - ever since he was Gujarat Chief Minister and sported it regularly in public in various shades and styles.

Meanwhile, the news was received with consternation and went viral on various social media networks, with a vast majority sharply critical of KVIC’s move.