In a significant initiative celebrating India’s rich traditions of yoga and Khadi, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) on Friday launched a special wellness wear collection titled ‘Swadha’. The collection was unveiled by KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Goel at the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK), located at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) campus in Hauz Khas, New Delhi.
The launch comes in the lead-up to International Yoga Day, observed globally on June 21, and aims to promote a lifestyle that combines wellness, sustainability, and indigenous craftsmanship. Developed by the Centre of Excellence for Khadi in collaboration with KVIC, the ‘Swadha’ collection reflects a contemporary interpretation of traditional Indian values centered on health, comfort, and balanced living.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Manoj Goel highlighted the global significance of International Yoga Day, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 following a proposal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the annual observance celebrates India’s ancient yoga tradition, which emphasizes harmony between the body, mind, and spirit. According to him, the newly launched wellness wear collection carries forward the same philosophy by merging the timeless appeal of yoga with the heritage of Khadi.
Describing the concept behind the collection, Shri Goel said that Khadi is far more than a fabric. It symbolizes self-reliance, environmental responsibility, rural development, and the spirit of Swadeshi. The ‘Swadha’ collection, he noted, represents a meaningful fusion of two iconic Indian legacies—Yoga and Khadi.
The term ‘Swadha’ has its roots in the Atharvaveda and conveys the ideas of comfort, ease, and inner contentment. Inspired by these values, the collection has been designed to offer simplicity, flexibility, and everyday comfort. It caters to modern lifestyles while remaining suitable for yoga sessions, meditation practices, and casual daily wear.
The wellness wear range comprises nine unique garment styles, carefully designed to support unrestricted movement and prolonged comfort. Most of the garments are available in free-size formats and feature gender-neutral designs, making them accessible to a wider audience. The collection focuses on functionality without compromising on aesthetics or sustainability.
A key highlight of the collection is the use of Khadi fabric, known for its breathable texture, lightweight feel, softness, and natural comfort. These qualities make it particularly suitable for wellness-oriented clothing. The Khadi used in the garments has been sourced from three reputed institutions: Gandhigram Khadi and V.I. Public Charitable Trust in Tamil Nadu, Payyannur Firka Gramodaya Khadi Sangh in Kerala, and Kshetriya Punjab Khadi Mandal in Punjab.
During the event, Shri Goel also spoke about the remarkable growth of the Khadi and Village Industries sector under the government’s flagship initiatives such as ‘Vocal for Local,’ ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat,’ and ‘Local to Global.’ He stated that the sector achieved a historic milestone during the financial year 2025–26, recording sales of ₹1.87 lakh crore, the highest in its history.
He credited the achievement to the dedication and hard work of artisans, weavers, entrepreneurs, and Khadi institutions across the country. Looking ahead, KVIC has set an ambitious turnover target of ₹2.51 lakh crore, reflecting its commitment to expanding the sector’s contribution to the national economy. He also noted that the Khadi and Village Industries ecosystem currently provides employment to approximately 2.04 crore people nationwide.
Established in 2021 through a partnership between KVIC and NIFT, the Centre of Excellence for Khadi was created to modernize and reposition Khadi through innovative design, branding, and market-driven strategies. The launch of the ‘Swadha’ wellness wear collection marks another important step in this direction, demonstrating how traditional Indian textiles can be adapted to meet contemporary lifestyle needs.
Officials and representatives from KVIC, CoEK, and NIFT attended the launch ceremony, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the initiative. The collection is expected to strengthen the appeal of Khadi among younger consumers while promoting wellness, sustainability, and India’s rich cultural heritage.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
