Modi replaces ‘Father of the Nation’ Gandhi on calendar, India upset

Image: PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU / GOVT OF INDIA

Indians are unhappy with the fact that their Prime Minister has now entered wall calendars and table diaries.

Issued by the government-owned Khadi Village Industries Commission (KVIC), the 2017 calendars and diaries carry a cover photograph of Narendra Modi, instead of Mahatma Gandhi, who’d been on it for decades.

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Modi is seen weaving ‘khadi’ (a handspun cotton cloth) in a ‘charkha’ (a traditional spinning wheel) in the classic Gandhi pose, which was a symbol of the nationalist movement in pre-independent India.

Image: AP

Khadi’s association with Gandhi is not only historic but also philosophical as it reflects his values and ideals of simplicity. Khadi workers have now revolted and are reportedly marching in protest of the move. Some have even called for the “reprinting” of calendars.

It has largely antagonized the masses too, some of whom have deemed the act “shameful”.

However, there are a few counter-narratives, especially that of the KVIC chairman, who says that Modi will only end up popularizing khadi.

And his sentiments are echoed by some who think that KVIC sales will now see a spurt with Modi on the cover of its products.

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Read more: http://mashable.com/2017/01/13/modi-replaces-gandhi-in-government-calendar-india-upset/

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