The Narendra Modi Government’s vision to promote Khadi as a global fabric has received a boost with a proposal to set up Khadi India’s first international venture in Bhutan. Indian Embassy in Bhutan, Khadi and Village industry Commission (KVIC) and Royal Textile Academy (RTA), Thimpu has organised an event ‘Khadi-Thago’ , on October 16 to jointly celebrate the textile heritage fo Khadi and traditional Bhutanese fabric on the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) curated the fashion show.
Khadi-Thagzo, organised at the RTA, which is also one of the most prominent tourist spots in Thimphu, witnessed presence of high-profile audience including Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck as the Chief Guest, Vinai Saxena, KVIC Chairman as the Guest of Honour, Prime Minister of Bhutan Dr. Lotay Tshering, Cabinet Ministers, Ambassadors and several other distinguished guests, during the event.
The Indian ambassador Ruchika khamboj said that the objective of this event was to promote environmental friendly fabric Khadi of India with Bhutanese designers, to enhance the Khadi foot print in the country. KVIC chairman Vinai Saxena said khadi means Sincerity, purity, honesty and swaraj.
Indian designers Anamika Khanna, Rajesh Pratap Singh and Samant Chauhan showcased innovative Khadi-based garment lines along with works of Chadrika Tamang, Kencho Wangmo, Tshering Choden and Sangay Choden of Bhutan. In addition,Anjana Bhargav, Nitin Bal Chauhan, Paras Gairoliya, Payal Jain, Rahul Mishra & Renu Tandon curated special Khadi ensembles which were also displayed in the event followed by Banarasi Satvik Bhojan. Sunil Sethi of FDCI was also present.
Interestingly the four Bhutanese textile designers who showcased their work at the Khadi-Thagzo, had also visited India on invitation from FDCI .
A Bhutanese designer, Dorothy Gurung, would be opening the first Indian Khadi outlet in Bhutan towards the end of the year.