Khadi embodies India's freedom spirit, says Kerala minister K. Muraleedharan
Synopsis
Kerala Health Minister K. Muraleedharan invoked Mahatma Gandhi and the Swadeshi movement to frame khadi not as a fabric but as a living symbol of India's independence struggle — while flagging that Kerala leads all states in khadi sector support and that the Onam Khadi Mela now offers a 30% government rebate and ₹1 lakh credit access for public employees.
Key Takeaways
Kerala Health Minister K.
Muraleedharan described khadi as the 'soul of the nation' at an event in Thiruvananthapuram on 23 July .
He credited Mahatma Gandhi and the Swadeshi movement for transforming khadi into a symbol of national unity during India's freedom struggle.
A majority of workers in the khadi sector are women, making it a key contributor to the rural economy.
Kerala claims to provide the highest level of state support to the khadi sector in India, including income support to workers.
The Onam Khadi Mela runs from 23 July to 25 August in Thiruvananthapuram, offering up to 30% government rebate on khadi products.
Government, semi-government, and bank employees can avail credit facilities of up to ₹1 lakh for purchases at the mela.
Kerala Health and Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan on Thursday, 23 July described khadi as far more than a textile, calling it the very soul of the nation forged through India's freedom struggle. Speaking at an event in Thiruvananthapuram, the minister said khadi's identity had been permanently shaped by Mahatma Gandhi and the Swadeshi movement.
Khadi's Role in India's Freedom Struggle
Muraleedharan underscored how Gandhi elevated khadi from a hand-spun cloth to a potent symbol of national unity. 'By encouraging the boycott of foreign textiles and promoting indigenous products, khadi played a decisive role in mobilising people across the country for the fight for Independence,' he said. He added: 'Khadi is not merely a garment. It represents the soul of the nation and the emotions of millions who participated in India's struggle for freedom.'
Khadi's Expanding Economic Footprint
The minister noted that the khadi sector has grown well beyond traditional hand-spun textiles, diversifying into footwear, village industry products, and a wide range of value-added goods. A significant majority of workers in the sector are women, making khadi a vital livelihood source and a meaningful contributor to the rural economy. Despite stiff competition from low-cost imported textiles, khadi products have reportedly secured a strong presence in overseas markets, driven by their quality and distinctiveness.
Kerala's Support to the Khadi Sector
Muraleedharan stated that Kerala remains the state providing the highest level of support to the khadi sector in the country. The state government extends income support to workers and has a standing policy of giving preference to khadi products in government departments and institutions wherever feasible. He reaffirmed this commitment as central to sustaining the traditional industry against modern competitive pressures.
Onam Khadi Mela: Key Details
The Onam Khadi Mela, running from 23 July to 25 August in Thiruvananthapuram, offers a government rebate of up to 30 per cent on khadi products. Government, semi-government, and bank employees are additionally eligible for credit facilities of up to ₹1 lakh for purchases at the mela, broadening access to khadi goods across income groups.
Point of View
Not just symbolism. The sector's growing female workforce is an underreported story: if khadi is indeed a major rural employer of women, that economic data deserves more scrutiny than the heritage rhetoric typically receives.
NationPress
23 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Kerala minister K. Muraleedharan say about khadi?
Minister K. Muraleedharan said khadi represents the soul of India and the emotions of millions who participated in the freedom struggle. He credited Mahatma Gandhi with transforming it into a symbol of national unity through the Swadeshi movement.
What is the Onam Khadi Mela and where is it held?
The Onam Khadi Mela is an annual khadi sales event held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala's state capital. The 2025 edition runs from 23 July to 25 August and offers a government rebate of up to 30% on khadi products.
Who can avail credit facilities at the Onam Khadi Mela?
Government, semi-government, and bank employees are eligible for credit facilities of up to ₹1 lakh for purchases at the Onam Khadi Mela, making it easier for salaried public sector workers to buy khadi goods.
Why does Kerala claim to be the top khadi-supporting state?
According to Minister Muraleedharan, Kerala extends the highest level of state support to the khadi sector in India, including income support to workers and a policy of preferring khadi products in government departments and institutions.
How has the khadi sector evolved beyond traditional textiles?
The khadi sector has diversified into footwear, village industry products, and a range of value-added goods. A majority of those employed in the sector are women, and khadi products have reportedly found markets overseas despite competition from cheaper imported textiles.
