Lalita Krishnaswami

‘Chalo Charkho Ramiye’ by Avani Varia is an initiative to revive, advocate and spread awareness on the importance of spinning wheel, ‘Charkha’ and give it relevance in today’s world. She emphasizes the association of spinning on charkha with business, education, physical and mental health, self-reliance and self-governance.

Avani stresses the fact that to achieve ‘Swaraj’, it is imperative to bring about change in the education system in India. Holistic development of an individual is essential as literacy comes only after knowledge of hand skills, which impacts society.

She further says that spinning on a charkha is used as a yogic process, which affects the mind and deepens concentration. She feels that if everyone in India spins, they would contribute to the countries, industrial and economic prosperity. As Gandhiji says, it is a non-competitive production symbol.

Khadi, hand spun and hand woven is not just a fabric; it is a vision of life, which is a life-style. It gives employment, occupation, self-respect, independence and self-reliance. Vastra Swavlamban gives equality.

Avani explains graphically in the booklet with photographs, the methodology of spinning and the different parts of the charkha box. Finally, she interprets the twist of Yarn and spinning as a message of peace, love and well-being. It re-builds life confirming the ideas of simplicity and swadeshi. She says, “Let us re-establish the dignity of human labour and create a non-violent society.”