The Demise of "Khadi"

This post is originated from a incidence, when I saw a picture of the young  Indian politician. He was watching a polo match in a western modern outfit with one of his girlfriends. Further, I saw another picture in which he was wearing a white "khadi" "kurta pajama", addressing a political/election campaign.  A white "khadi" kurta symbolizes the Indian polity and serving society, which is rooted back in per-independance time.  Mr. Gandhi(Gandhiji or Mahatma) initiated a movement to protect Indian hand-woven cloths industry and weavers' livelihood by opposing foreign cloths. The prominent leaders at that time, those were indulging in foreign lifestyle(Mr. Nehru, Mr. Patel etc.) due to influence of foreign education. Gandhi ji gave a new realization, said that, if you are leader of of 30-40 million of people. Then you must be one of those, that brought "khadi" in to Indian freedom struggle and then in polity. And I can speculate that in those leaders some of them adopted the philosophy on face value rather imbibed it, Which probably produced the generations of hypocrisy. Though, then onwards "khadi" was considered as the symbol of common  man/woman who work for larger important issues of societies.

It has been observed that from last one and half decade the hand woven "khadi" has been replaced by linen in reach and growing reach population. But what is the difference between linen and cotton("Khadi")? we will see that as follows.

Linen

Linen is a fine fabric that comes from a plant known as flax.  It is one fabric that has extreme smoothness and a natural luster that enhances the beauty and elegance of bone china. This luster is long lasting and comes from a natural wax content of linen fabric. Being expensive, people keep clothing made of linen for use on ceremonies and functions. Like cotton, linen is highly absorbent and gives a cooling effect when worn in summers[1].

Cotton

Cotton comes from cotton plant and mankind has known about the versatility of this wonderful fabric since ancient civilizations. Because it is natural, cotton is suitable for all skin types and is therefore grown in all parts of the world. Cotton fibers are separated from the seeds of cotton through a process called combing afterwards are spun to convert into threads that can be both knitted and woven to manufacture fabrics[1].

 A normal population don't know what is major difference between cotton and linen just by observing from a distance. It is a hypocrisy in which the white "Khadi" has been portrayed by a very expensive linen. Further wearing white "Khadi Kurtha"(basically a costly linen) has become a ritual or ceremony when they got to meet with voters. The way "khadi" has been demised in time the core philosophy of serving society has been also replaced. The true values of social service in politicians have been replaced by irrational  economic behavior. By and large, that will be leading the society to dissatisfaction. An assumption in which we consider that politicians are wearing purely "khadi kurta". Then slowly the the population is shifting from kurta-pajama to shirt-trouser/denim. If they(leaders) represent a population, a question rises here,  are they different or same as population is now?              

     "Khadi"(larger population) is crying loud out, asking for recognition and a new definition

Reference:

[1] http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-cotton-and-vs-linen/