Khadi Yatra- S.P.R Jain Kanyashala , Smt.S.T Mehta English Medium Secondary Girls School

Khadi Mahotsav 2023: Empowering Youth and Honoring Traditions

Mumbai, India – October 13, 2023 – In a resplendent celebration of Khadi and the spirit of self-reliance, the Khadi Village and Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of MSME in collaboration with the Humanitarian Welfare and Research Foundation (HWARF) NGO invited one and all to join the grand festival, KHADI MAHOTSAV which takes place from the 2nd to the 31st of October 2023.

This remarkable event united communities in a pledge for a stronger, self-reliant India, encapsulated by the slogans, Khadi for Nation, Khadi for Fashion and Khadi for Transformation

It was an opportunity for citizens to immerse themselves in the heritage of Khadi, a fabric deeply intertwined with India's cultural identity.

The 2nd Khadi Campaign, a part of this festival, unfolded on the 13th of October at 11:00 AM.

The vibrant rally was hosted at the historical S.P.R. Jain Kanyashala (Est. 1924), Ghatkopar.

Here, a harmonious assembly of 400 enthusiastic girls marched, raising their voices with the spirited chant, Be Vocal for Local, Buy Khadi & Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The rally covered a significant route, commencing from the school and passing through Jain Derasar, M.G. Road, and S.N.D.T. College, before returning to the S.P.R. Jain Kanyashala in Ghatkopar.

Honors of the Day: As an exceptional highlight of the event, the Prime Minister of India bestowed honors upon S.P.R Kanyashala celebrating its 100th year of teaching Sanskrit and Bhagwad Gita. This recognition stood as a testament to the school's dedication to preserving India's ancient and religious values.

The event drew the participation of 200 girls from the esteemed S.P.R Jain Kanyashala (Est. 1924) and another 200 from the Smt. S.T. Mehta English Medium Secondary Girls School (Diamond Jubilee 75 years old). In total, 400 girls from both schools, under the guidance of Khadi Village and Industries Commission (KVIC) & HWARF NGO proudly embarked on a 1 Km rally through the heart of Ghatkopar, displaying their commitment to Khadi and self-reliance.

The event witnessed the presence of esteemed individuals, including:

Mr. Yogesh Bhamare – Director, KVIC

Mrs. Christine Swaminathan - Founder & Trustee, HWARF

Mr. Raizn S. Swaminathan – Trustee, HWARF

Mr. Prem Punjabi- Trustee, HWARF

Mr. Shrine S. Swaminathan – Trustee, HWARF

Mr. Rajesh Shah, Founder of Geo Roti Ghar, representing the participating NGO.

Mrs. Meena Khetani & Mr. Abhay Bhai Khetani Managing Director and Trustee of S.P.R. Jain Kanyashala Trust.

Mrs. Nanda N. Thakkar, Principal of S.P.R. Jain Kanyashala

Mrs. Vidhya Suresh Bhat, Headmistress of Smt. S.T. Mehta English Medium Secondary Girls School.

Special Guest: Mrs. Shubhada Kedari, Principal of St. Colomba Girls High School, Gamdevi, South Mumbai.

The Khadi Yatra unfolded as follows:

• All guests arrived at 11:00 AM.
• The rally commenced at 12 noon.
• The rally culminated at the Auditorium by 01:00 PM.
• Bhagvatgeeta Stotra and an engaging Antakshari by the girl students.
• A moving Beti Bachao poem recited by a student.
• The program featured the recitation of Ekatmata Stotra.
• Distinguished dignitaries were felicitated.
• The Khadi Pledge was taken.
• A Press Conference concluded the event, allowing for reflections and insights to be shared.

This event stood as a symbol of the enduring legacy of Khadi, its contemporary relevance in fashion, and its role in fostering self-reliance and transformation. It exemplified unity, culture, and empowerment that Khadi embodies.