Khadi Yatra- St. Columba School

Khadi Mahotsav 2023 – 2^nd Oct – 31^st Oct 23: A Spectacular Rally for Empowerment and Heritage

Mumbai, India – October 11, 2023 – In a remarkable display of unity and celebration, over 700 spirited young girls from St. Columba Girls High School marked their presence at the Khadi Mahotsav 2023 event today. This vibrant rally, held on the 11th of October, commenced at 11:00 AM and extended through the noon, carrying a message of empowerment, tradition, and the resounding call for self-reliance.

The Humanitarian Welfare and Research Foundation (HWARF), a distinguished non-profit NGO dedicated to uplifting underprivileged communities, organized this campaign in partnership with the Khadi Village and Industries Commission (KVIC). The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students who embarked on a rally originating from St. Columba Girls High School. They traversed through the iconic August Kranti Maidan, made a stop at Mahatma Gandhiji’s Mumbai headquarters - Mani Bhavan, and ultimately returned to their school.

Distinguished dignitaries graced the occasion, further elevating the event:

- Shri. Yogesh Bhamare, State Director, Khadi Commission, Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, offered his support and inspiration to the young minds.

- Mrs. Shubhada Kedari, Head Mistress of St. Columba Girls High School, extended her encouragement and guidance to the students regarding the significance of Khadi.

In an exhibition that spotlighted the cultural importance and legacy of Khadi, students showcased the history, geography, and science behind this remarkable fabric. Furthermore, they demonstrated the use of the charkha, an iconic spinning wheel that played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence.

The event concluded with heartfelt expressions of gratitude and a felicitation of the State Director, Mr. Yogesh Bhambare, in recognition of his unwavering support for Khadi empowerment initiatives.

Representatives from HWARF NGO also took the stage to express their unwavering commitment to the cause:

- Mrs. Christine Swaminathan, HWARF Founder Trustee

- Mr. Prem Punjabi, Trustee

- Mr. Raizn Swaminathan, Trustee

- Ms Pournima Jadhav, HWARF Executive Director

- Ms Vrushali Varoshe, Front Office Coordinator

The event resounded with spirited slogans such as "Khadi for the Nation," "Khadi for Fashion," "Khadi for Transformation," "Be Vocal for Local," "Buy Khadi," and "Atmanirbhar Bharat."

A special theme, "This Diwali Khadi Wali," lent a festive touch to the occasion, emphasizing the importance of choosing Khadi during the Festival of Lights.

Khadi Mahotsav 2023 serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of Khadi, its relevance in contemporary fashion, and its role in fostering self-reliance and transformation. This event exemplified the spirit of unity, culture, and empowerment that Khadi embodies.

About St. Columba School:

St. Columba School, established in 1832, is a respected institution with a rich history of education.

About Khadi Village and Industries Commission (KVIC):

Khadi Village and Industries Commission (KVIC) is a statutory body established by the Government of India to promote, develop, and organize Khadi and other village industries in rural areas.