On the occasion of International Yoga Day, Shri Manoj Goel, Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India has launched a special wellness wear collection named 'Swadha' on Friday. Created by the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK), this collection represents an innovative effort to blend the Indian concepts of yoga, health, and balanced living with modern clothing styles. The launch ceremony was held at the Central Office of the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK), in collaboration with KVIC at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) campus in Hauz Khas, New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Goel stated that International Yoga Day, declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 as proposed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is celebrated globally every year on June 21. This day celebrates the ancient Indian tradition of yoga, which promotes whole health and well-being by establishing harmony between the body, mind, and soul. Carrying forward this spirit, the 'Swadha' wellness wear collection has been created for the upcoming International Yoga Day, weaving together two of India's significant legacies i.e. Yoga and Khadi.

Shri Goel remarked that Khadi, the legacy of the revered Bapu, is not merely a fabric but a symbol of self-reliance, Swadeshi consciousness, environmental conservation, and rural empowerment. He stated that the 'Swadha' wellness wear collection represents a harmonious blend of two great Indian traditions which is Yoga and Khadi. He explained that the word 'Swadha' is derived from the Atharvaveda and signifies ease, comfort, and spiritual contentment. Rooted in this ethos, the collection prioritizes simplicity, comfort, and adaptability. It is designed to meet the needs of a modern lifestyle, making it suitable for both yoga practice and daily wear.

The collection features nine distinct garment styles developed to ensure effortless mobility and all-day comfort. Most of the garments are free-size and gender-neutral. The Khadi fabric used in these garments is particularly well-suited for wellness wear due to its breathability, lightness, softness, and natural comfort. The 'Swadha' collection utilizes Khadi produced by three prestigious institutions i.e. Gandhigram Khadi and V.I. Public Charitable Trust (Tamil Nadu), Payyannur Firka Gramodaya Khadi Sangh (Kerala), and Kshetriya Punjab Khadi Mandal (Punjab).

The KVIC Chairman remarked that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of 'Vocal for Local', 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', and 'Local to Global' has infused the Khadi and Village Industries sector with new energy and a renewed identity. The sector created history in the 2025-26 financial year by achieving record sales of ₹1.87 lakh crore. He attributed this achievement to the collective efforts of millions of artisans, weavers, rural entrepreneurs, and Khadi institutions across the country. He further stated that the Khadi and Village Industries sector has now set an ambitious turnover target of ₹2.51 lakh crore. He expressed confidence that the sector would play a vital role in building a 'Viksit Bharat' and further strengthening the rural economy. Shri Goel also mentioned that, at present, the Khadi and Village Industries sector is providing employment to approximately 2.04 crore people across the country.

It is noteworthy that the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK) was established in 2021 with the collaboration of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). The Centre is dedicated to modernize Khadi through design innovation, brand development, and market-driven interventions, making it more relevant to contemporary consumers. The 'Swadha' wellness wear collection is a significant outcome of this initiative, bringing together the values of health, tradition, and sustainable living.

Officers and staff from KVIC, CoEK, and NIFT were present on this occasion.

 

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

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