As an increasing number of global brands are making inroads to Ahmedabad, khadi outlets are now gearing up for a new, swanky mall-like look. Kamdhenu Khadi Ghar in Ambawadi region of Ahmedabad is the first co-operative run outlet under Gujarat Rajya Khadi Gram Udyog Board scheme to have received this facelift.
The 3,000 sq ft outlet is wearing this new look with financial support of Rs 5 lakh under the state governmet scheme for renovation of khadi outlets. The Trust has pumped in about Rs 40 lakhs for modernization.
What's more a little less than half a dozen Khadi Board outlets in Ahmedabad are planning to follow suit in near future. Under Khadi Village and Industries Commission there are about 300 outlets across the country and one outlet in Delhi has undergone modernization some years ago. Kamdhenu would be the second outlet in the country to do so.
Under the state government scheme, outlets at district level can avail Rs 2.5 lakh and Taluka level outlets can get Rs 1.5 lakh for renovation. State run Khadi Board is nodal agency for promoting and popularizing Khadi for all and generating employment for rural people.
"The increasing mall-type culture prompted us to undergo modernization. We have to stay with times and hence have installed air-conditioners something not seen in any Khadi Board outlet in the past. We have got support under the Gujarat government scheme to promote khadi in the state," said Virendrasinh Chavda, manager of the outlet.
Kamdhenu Khadi Ghar is run by Cheljibhai Chaudhary who is president of the Kamdhenu Trust. Chavda said that the outlet has seen a rise in footfalls from youngsters by about 15-20% after renovation. The khadi wears are made of pure wool and are sourced from Kutch, Surendranagar, Limbdi and Surendranagar. The Trust has also roped in Renu Mittal as designer for readymade garments to give fresh and innovative look.
"The interesting aspect of Khadi which many overlook at times is that the clothe gives warmth in winter and is cool in winter," said Chavda.