Indian Designers Celebrate Modi’s Role in Global Khadi Spotlight

At a recent event hosted by the Habitat Centre, Sunil Sethi, chairman of the Fashion Design Council of India, attributed the worldwide fascination with Khadi to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s active promotion.

Sethi explained that the Prime Minister’s practice of gifting Khadi‑based items to heads of state has turned the fabric into a symbol of sustainable luxury. This strategy, he argued, has helped Indian designers secure invitations to elite fashion weeks in Moscow, Paris, and beyond.

The FDCI chief highlighted his own ensemble – a traditional “Odisha Ikkat” shirt, a custom‑made tie, and a shirt all sewn by Indian artisans present at the venue. He expressed pride in wearing home‑grown creations on a stage that attracts international media.

A letter from New Zealand’s premier, Christopher Luxon, was read aloud, praising the recent Khadi showcase in Auckland that drew a packed hall and rave reviews. Sethi added that the fabric’s journey from Bhutan’s royal palace to French runways signals a new era of cultural exchange.

The ceremony also honored Professor Andrew M. Ramroop, a master tailor revered for his bespoke work. The launch of his book "Bespoken" added a literary dimension to the celebration of Indian craftsmanship, reinforcing the message that India’s textile heritage is now a global asset.