Dr. Sona recounts the meaning of Khadi, in this multilayered poem, exclusively for Different Truths.

Khadi! Not just a word
It's a feeling, a sensibility,
An entire world in itself

Khadi! Not just a cloth
It's a ritual, a culture,
A complete way of life

Khadi! Not just a fabric
It's a fabrication of India’s dreams
Of self-reliance, of freedom, of empowerment

Khadi! Not just an attire
It's a rejoicing tale of millions
A character, a commitment with the self

Khadi! Not just for the masses
It's patronized by KVIC and MSME
Fashion designers prompt it to dollars

Khadi! Not obstructed by neglection
It paves way to Hollywood
Clad the characters like Captain Hook.

Khadi! Now moving towards revival
It's a mark of prestige and honour
A cloth that entire world looks for.

Picture design by Anumita Roy, Different Truths

Dr. Sona Agrawal

Dr. Sona Agrawal is currently posted in MSJ College, Bharatpur. Previously she taught at Central University of Rajasthan, Kishangarh. For her doctoral dissertation, she worked on tribal literature. Besides tribal literature, her areas of interest are Dalit literature, post-colonial writing, literary theories, and criticism. She has participated in several national and international conferences and has also published six scholarly research papers. She also writes poems and short stories both in Hindi and English.