Charkha continues to spin magic among Gandhi followers

The Father of the Nation used charkha as a tool to promote economic self-sufficiency during the British rule and bring awareness about his 'swadeshi' movement.

Charkhas are available in three different sizes and priced at Rs 100, Rs 200 and Rs 300 apiece, Secretary of the Sabarmati Ashram Amrut Modi told PTI. "In FY 2010-11, the sale of charkhas was to the tune of Rs 3 lakh, which surged to Rs 9 lakh in 2011-12. I have not seen the sale go up in this manner in my entire life," he said.

"The reason for increase in the sale of charkhas, as I can see, is that Mahatma Gandhi's following has increased world-wide. His message of non-violence and truth have become more relevant in these disturbing times."

"What we have done over the last few years is that we demonstrate, to the visitors coming to the Ashram, how hand spun thread is formed by spinning the charkha." Gandhian Kishorebhai Gohil holds charkha sessions at the Hriday Kunj, the place where Gandhiji stayed in the ashram, for visitors, he said.

"Gohil explains how thread is spun from cotton. Visitors are allowed to try their hands on charkha and many of them find the whole experience amazing," Modi added. Gandhi used to daily spin charkha in morning and evening at the ashram, produce khadi from it and wore cloths made from them to promote self-reliance.