October 17, 2024, Bihar The prestigious Khadi Mahotsav was celebrated at the NIFT Patna Campus. Maya Shankar, the chief guest, honoured the event with her presence and spoke about the significance of the song "Vande Mataram." Colonel Rahul Sharma, Director of NIFT Patna, extended a warm welcome to all the guests and initiated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
The event was a tribute to Khadi, the iconic handspun fabric that has played a crucial role in India's independence and economic development. The event aimed to highlight Khadi's significance in today’s world, blending tradition with contemporary fashion.

The celebration featured a vibrant panel discussion on the importance of Khadi, moderated by Professor Jayant Kumar. Mr. Bhairav Lal Das, Convener of INTACH Patna Chapter, shared historical insights, tracing Khadi’s roots back to ancient times, including references to handmade cloth found at Mohenjodaro. He also narrated the touching story of Kasturba Gandhi’s encounter with an elderly woman who was unable to attend Mahatma Gandhi's event due to a lack of clothing. Mr. Ashok Sinha, Additional Director of Bihar Museum, added that Khadi was mentioned by historical figures like Huen Tsang and Marco Polo, emphasizing its deep connection to Bihar's heritage. Dr. Md. Hanif Mevati, Director of KVIC, MSME, Govt. of India, spoke about the economic, environmental, and employment benefits of Khadi, encouraging students to engage with Khadi both locally and globally.

Special performances by renowned artists, including Pandit Ronu Majumdar on the flute and Dr. Shyam Pandit on the tabla, added a mesmerizing cultural touch to the celebration. The event concluded with a captivating Khadi Fashion Walk, where students from NIFT Patna showcased their innovative designs made from Khadi fabric The Khadi Mahotsav was a resounding success, paying tribute to the fabric’s historical legacy while promoting its relevance in the modern world.