Modi now replaces Mahatma on Khadi Udhyog calendar and diary

In a shocking development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has replaced the ‘Father of the Nation,’ Mahatma Gandhi in the 2017 wall calendar and table diary published by the Khadi Village Industries Commission (KVIC).

The employees and officials were in shock to see the cover photo of the calendar and diary showing Modi weaving khadi on a large ‘charkha’, in the same classic pose as Gandhiji and are planning a silent protest wearing black bands over their mouths.

“We are pained at this systematic easing out of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas, philosophy and ideals by the government. Last year, the first attempt was made by including the PM’s photos in the calendar,” said a senior KVIC staffer, requesting anonymity amid fear of official reprisals.

What is it with Modi and the Mahatma?

Both of them are from Gujarat but there the similarity stops.

While BJP and the RSS are traditionally opposed to Muslims, Mahatma Gandhi who always preached and practiced Hindu- Muslim unity was perceived as the major enemy.

In 2016 itself, the staff unions in KVIC had raised the calendar matter(including the PM’s photos in the 2016 calendar) strongly with the management and were assured that it would not be repeated in future.

“However, this year it’s a total washout. The pictures and teaching of Gandhiji – who created khadi for the poor masses and made it a symbol of the ‘swadeshi’ self-reliance during the struggle for Independence – are completely left out in the calendar and diary,”said the senior KVIC staff.