SEVA SE SANKLAP—KHADI ABHIYAN CONCLUDED

SEVA SE SANKLAP—KHADI ABHIYAN CONCLUDED

18-OCT-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA--------------------------The month-long ‘Seva se Sankalp – Khadi Abhiyan’, organized by the Bihar State Khadi and Village Industries Board, Patna, has concluded. During the closing ceremony, the winners of the drawing competition held for children as part of the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations were announced. Dr. Vidyanand Singh, Chief Executive Officer of the Bihar State Khadi and Village Industries Board and Director of Silk and Handloom, along with the event’s guest, Dr. Ajay Kumar Pandey, honored the winners by presenting them with cheques and certificates.

The campaign began on September 17 with the lighting of an ‘Aashirwad ka Diya’ (Lamp of Blessings) before the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Throughout the month-long initiative, various activities were organized, including ‘Know Your Khadi’, ‘Know Your Artisan’, special Gandhi Jayanti programs, a ‘Digital Creator Challenge’, and a ‘Khadi Yatra’.

The objective of the campaign was to promote Khadi, *Swadeshi* (indigenous products), and local goods among the general public; to recognize the contributions of Khadi artisans and weavers; and to connect citizens—especially the youth and children—with Khadi and the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.

Children participated with great enthusiasm in the drawing competition held on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. The competition was divided into two categories.

Through their artwork, the children creatively depicted the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, as well as the significance of Khadi, *Swadeshi*, and self-reliance. Participants who secured the first, second, and third positions in both categories were awarded cash prizes of ₹10,000, ₹7,500, and ₹5,000, respectively, presented via cheques.

A total prize purse of ₹45,000 was distributed to the winners across both categories through cheques. Dr. Vidyanand Singh, Chief Executive Officer-cum-Director of Sericulture and Handlooms, and guest Dr. Ajay Kumar Pandey congratulated all the winners and acknowledged their creative talent.

Also present on the occasion were Abhay Singh, Assistant Accounts Officer of the Bihar State Khadi and Village Industries Board, Patna; Ramesh Chaudhary, Manager of Khadi Mall, Patna; and other staff members of the Khadi Board. The officials and staff expressed their satisfaction with the success of the campaign and reiterated their commitment to promoting the Khadi and Village Industries sector.

During the closing ceremony, the resolve to promote Khadi and Village Industries, encourage local artisans and weavers, and support indigenous (swadeshi) products was reaffirmed. The campaign aimed to raise public awareness about Khadi and connect the younger generation with the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.

The Bihar State Khadi and Village Industries Board expressed its gratitude to all the officials, staff, participants, parents, and citizens who contributed to the success of this campaign.