Union MSME minister Kalraj Mishra has described khadi as a statement about lifestyle and values and stressed on the manufacture of not only market oriented but also product oriented khadi. His comments came while inaugurating the khadi denim exhibition in New Delhi. Mishra also said that there is growing demand for khadi in foreign countries also, according to an official statement. Denim jeans, jackets, skirts and bags etc, designed by NIFT graduates and other professional designers will be available for sale in the exhibition. Speaking on this occasion, he recalled the appeal made by the Prime Minister in his radio address” Mann Ki Baat” to buy at-least one khadi garment. As a result of the appeal, the sale of khadi increased over 60 per cent. Mishra also inaugurated North East PMEGP Exhibition. He praised the products displayed by the entrepreneurs of North Eastern region. The products displayed in the PMEGP Exhibition are produced by the artisans of North East region and Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan has given an opportunity to market their products in the national capital. This is an example of unity in diversity, he said. In the first phase, micro entrepreneurs from the North East Region along with khadi institutions will be displaying their products in the PMEGP windows. The North East products like cane, bamboo, Munga silk, and Endi silk etc and other handicraft items will be available in the exhibition. Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan, KVIC, New Delhi has also been awarded an ISO 9001:2008 certificate, the statement said.
