KOCHI: While most of the schools in the state use synthetic clothes for their uniforms, Amaravati Government UP School, Fort Kochi is setting an example by introducing khadi uniforms for all its students this academic year. The move to switch to this indigenous natural fabric is keeping in tune to the Human Rights Commission directive issued in 2008. Government School, Panampalli and Government School, Palluruthy are some of the institutions that have already introduced the change.
Jain Foundation, a charity organisation based in Fort Kochi has tied up with the school in making the iniative a reality. The khadi clothes for all children in the school are being distributed by Jain Foundation free of cost as most students cannot afford them. The clothes were distributed at a function by S Suhasini IAS, Sub- Collector at the RDO Chamber of Kochi Taluk Office on Wednesday.
“ Khadi is fit to wear in Kerala’s humid climate. It allows better air circulation which helps remove and absorb body moisture, drawing heat away from the body and keeping the body cool and dry. It is very important for the health and hygiene of children,” said P K Suhasini, Head Mistress, Amaravati Government UP School, explaining the benefits of Khadi.
This is the sixth school School in Kochi where Jain Foundation has distributed Khadi. The foundation is looking forward to spreading the initiative to more schools .
“ The government gives a rebate for khadi cloth. The material with double-tread weaving lasts longer than other clothes. It is also environment-friendly.The biggest advantage is that the material does not need to be ironed if it is properly hung for drying (without wrinkles). If atleast 60 lakh students from standart 1 to X opt to wear Khadi, the state can collectively save electricity,” said Mukesh Jain, founder, Jain Foundation.
And just like the Central government’s line of thought, Mukesh Jain believes that the initiative will serve a helping hand for the ailing cotton farmers and weavers in the country. “The initiative will provide an opportunity for the farmers and weavers also. Their product will have greater demand and they can price it better,“ added Jain.
Boost for Khadi
The Central government currently aims at popularising khadi across the country. Recently, it introduced khadi uniforms for Railway employees. The government plans to promote khadi in schools, government hospitals, airlines and even police forces.
The plan is to ensure better job opportunities for the khadi village industries.