Bumped into one Dubeji. Has been running an NGO (not a very good word these days) that helps people spin yarn out of had made thread. In simple words using Charkha of Mahatma Gandhi fame that people take photos with when they visit Gandhi Ashram in Sabarmati. The matter ends there, Dube rues. There are not many who make threads from cotton using the Charkha. Not many who would buy the thread anyway. The Khadi of Gandhi's dreams is dying a slow death- we are killing it- every passing day, he says. A qualified engineer, Dube helps families in a remote town in UP to make cloth of threads made by the poor. The cloth then is processed, stitched into wonderful garments.




Dubeji wears Khadi himself. The Khadi sold in the Khadi Bhandars of the Khandi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is not the real Khadi. It comes from the Mills. Gandhi wanted Gramodyog- I heard the word Gramodyog after ages- he wanted the villagers, the farmers and their families to gainfully spend their time weaving. But Gandhi's dreams have been systematically demolished. Khadi was at least in Congress culture. Khadi may not be in the dictionary of the new government in New Delhi. Already gasping for breath, Khadi of Gandhi's dreams may end up in history books in not so distant future, he says. His tiny NGO, however, has evoked interest among some foreigners. Yes, foreigners! They visit their establishment in UP and place orders.
Right across the Mahatma's Samadhi on Rajghat are organisations that, for record sake, carry out activities. Charkha is operated once a week. Dube volunteers to take me to see how thread comes out of the charkha.
Gramodyog, Gruhodyog, Khadi, cottage industries- empowering villages may soon fade into history. History books may not even write about these.
What can be done? I ask Dubeji. You have at least listened, he smiles, renewing his invitation to visit the place where Khadi is still spun.