Khadi Mahotsav-2025 was inaugurated by Minister Rakesh Sachan in Lucknow. Rural products were displayed in 160+ stalls. Khadi Board provided employment to more than 3.90 lakh people and provided toolkit to thousands of youth.
Lucknow. Uttar Pradesh’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Khadi and Village Industries Minister Rakesh Sachan on Friday inaugurated the 10-day ‘Khadi Mahotsav-2025’ at Central Sanskrit University, Gomtinagar, Lucknow. He started the program by cutting the ribbon, garlanding the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and lighting the lamp.
More than 160 stalls, great exhibition of Khadi products
More than 160 entrepreneurs and units from different districts of the state have set up their stalls in the festival. Diverse and excellent products made from Khadi and village industries are displayed here. Khadi, which Gandhiji called the soul of the freedom struggle, has today become the basis of self-reliance, employment and strengthening of the rural economy.
Khadi is the new identity of self-reliant India: Minister Rakesh Sachan
In his address, Minister Rakesh Sachan said that Khadi is associated with Gandhiji’s idea of self-reliance. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister, Khadi is again getting national recognition under the Cleanliness, Swadeshi, Self-Employment and Self-reliant India campaign. He said that Khadi and village industries exhibitions are being organized in 18 divisions of the state, due to which rural products are getting a bigger market. More than 2000 units participated in the 20 exhibitions held last year and sales amounted to Rs 44.38 crore.
Employment to more than 3.90 lakh people, toolkit to thousands of youth
Minister Sachan said that Khadi and Village Industries Board has so far provided employment to more than 3,90,000 people, which is 21% more than last year. In the year 2025, 66,640 youth have been linked to self-employment by providing them with various toolkits. Equipment like Dona Making Machine, Popcorn Machine, Honey Box and Electric Chalk are proving helpful in making rural women and youth self-reliant. State level awards to outstanding entrepreneurs and toolkits to selected beneficiaries were also distributed at the function.
Initiative to make Khadi the first choice of the young generation
Principal Secretary Anil Kumar Sagar said that due to modern design and new technology, Khadi is now becoming the choice of the youth. Khadi is getting a new modern look with the participation of fashion shows, institutions like NIFT and designers. He informed that Khadi products are being delivered to national and global markets through e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, thereby increasing both the income and recognition of the artisans. Ensuring better quality and reliability is the top priority of the department.
Awarded to outstanding entrepreneurs
Minister Rakesh Sachan distributed awards and citations in the program. Awards for state level excellent units were given as follows-
- First Prize (₹40,000): Deepak Kumar, Meerut
- Second Prize (₹30,000): Mamta, Gonda
- Third Prize (₹20,000): Sanjay Singh, Hathras