New Delhi: In a celebration of the spirit of ‘Vocal for Local,’ the Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Shri Manoj Kumar, inaugurated the ‘Diwali Utsav’ at Gramshilpa, Khadi Lounge in Connaught Place, New Delhi. The event commenced yesterday and will continue for five days.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 106th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ urged citizens to support locally-made products during festive occasions. Embracing this call to action, Shri Manoj Kumar opened the ‘Diwali Utsav’ to promote indigenous products and economic self-reliance for rural artisans.
A special range of local products was made available during the ‘Diwali Utsav’ to connect the people of Delhi with the Prime Minister’s appeal. The offerings include clay diyas crafted by local potters, idols of Lakshmi and Ganesh, handcrafted clay temples, millet-based products from Village Industries and PMEGP units, candles, Agarbatti, Khadi jackets by artisans, and various fashionable Khadi garments.
Shri Manoj Kumar emphasized the accessibility of these local products to Khadi enthusiasts in every budget range. To further boost the Diwali Utsav and Aatmanirbhar Bharat spirit, the Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan in Connaught Place, New Delhi, is providing special discounts, offering up to 20% off on Khadi products and 10% off on Village Industries products.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kumar highlighted the historic achievements under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The sales of Khadi and Village Industries products exceeded Rs. 1.34 lakh crore in the previous financial year, generating a record 9.54 lakh new jobs. On Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, 2023, a single-day sale of Khadi products worth Rs. 1.52 Crore occurred at the flagship Khadi Bhavan in Connaught Place, New Delhi.
Shri Kumar urged everyone to contribute to the livelihood opportunities for millions of artisans associated with KVIC by purchasing indigenous Khadi products, especially during festive seasons. The program, attended by officers and staff, featured the Chief Executive Officer of Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Shri Vinit Kumar.