Pic: Members of Khadi National Flag Promotion Team visited KKGSS Bengeri recently and studied the flag making process thoroughly; members showcase a finished tricolourHubballi: Over 200 professionals from different fields came together under an initiative by ‘Khadi National Flag Promotion Team’ to revive the sale of Khadi national flags produced by the Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha (KKGSS), the only organisation manufacturing BIS-approved Khadi national flags in the country. The initiative came amid a steady decline in khadi flag sales since the 75th Independence Day, following the Union govt’s decision to allow polyester and machine-made flags. The team launched awareness campaigns, advocacy efforts, and aggressive marketing ahead of Republic Day.Santosh Nargund, team convenor, told TOI that the team adopted 3 actions—awareness, advocacy, and aggressive marketing. “Different professionals became volunteers and are working with short-term and long-term goals. Short-term goals aim to enhance sales as much as possible by Jan 26, Republic Day. For this, we are approaching social organisations, social media influencers, corporate companies, and govt agencies to get bulk orders. The khadi national flag has national and economic importance. This has to be transformed into a profitable venture,” he added.Shivashankar Aiholi, another convenor, said that long-term goals aim to revive sales of khadi national flags over the next 6 months to 1 year. “We welcome anybody’s help in this regard. We also urge the Union govt to withdraw the amendment that allowed polyester and machine-made flags. We also urge both Union and state govts to clarify that govt agencies should use only BIS-approved cotton khadi flags. Since it is specified clearly in the amendment, many govt agencies and undertakings are in confusion. We launched a campaign with #flykhaditrocolour on social media,” he stated.Yash Rajput, a BBA student, said that he prepared a video request to promote sales of BIS-approved khadi flag, and the team is approaching social media influencers and celebrities to spread it among their followers. Nachiket Jamadar, a techie, asserted that they planned to make a detailed documentary on khadi national flags manufactured at KKGSS Hubballi.Nargund expressed surprise over not seeking an opinion from KKGSS while allowing polyester and machine-made flags during the 75th anniversary of Independence. “KKGSS is capable of meeting demand of any quantity,” he opined.Shivanand Mathapati, secretary, KKGSS, said that the team visited the sangh and studied the situation thoroughly. “Their move will help about 2,000 employees working in this khadi association. One should note that Khadi had a close association with Independence, and if it does not survive, it is the end of a major portion of history. We are happy with the initiative taken up by the team,” he commented.
