Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday purchased Khadi garments from a Khadi Gramodyog Haat in Gandhinagar and made a digital payment, marking Gandhi Jayanti with a focus on Khadi, Swadeshi products and digital transactions. His purchase followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to citizens to buy at least one Khadi product on October 2 and support artisans and families associated with the sector.
Patel visited the Khadi Gramodyog Haat operated by the Saurashtra Rachnatmak Samiti in Gandhinagar after attending a Sarva Dharma Prayer Meeting at Kirti Mandir in Porbandar. During his visit to the outlet, the Chief Minister purchased several Khadi garments and completed the transaction digitally, combining the promotion of traditional handspun and handwoven products with the use of cashless payment methods.
In his Gandhi Jayanti message, Prime Minister Modi urged people to purchase Khadi and take pride in describing such products as “Swadeshi”. The Centre has promoted Khadi through the message of “Khadi for Nation, Khadi for Fashion”, while linking the sector with local production, self-reliance and employment opportunities for rural artisans. Khadi has historically been associated with Mahatma Gandhi’s emphasis on Swadeshi and self-reliance during the freedom movement.
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The Gujarat government has also announced a 30 per cent special market incentive for Khadi and polyvastra products from October 2 to December 31. The incentive is intended to encourage consumers to purchase products from participating outlets while supporting recognised Khadi institutions and cooperatives across the state.
Patel’s visit came as part of the state’s observance of the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Earlier in the day, he paid floral tributes to Gandhi at Kirti Mandir in Porbandar and participated in the Sarva Dharma prayer meeting. Energy Minister Rushikesh Patel, MLA Ritaben Patel and other office-bearers accompanied the Chief Minister during his visit to the Khadi outlet.
The programme brought together themes associated with Gandhi Jayanti, including Khadi, Swadeshi and support for village industries, alongside the promotion of digital payments. Patel’s purchase was presented as part of efforts to encourage consumers to support Khadi products and the artisans and institutions involved in their production.
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