'Thiruvananthapuram connection'; Priyanka Gandhi's parliament debut in stunning Kasavu saree

NEW DELHI: Priyanka Gandhi’s debut election saw her winning by a margin close to four lakhs from Kerala’s Wayanad. Despite the heavy drubbing received in the Maharashtra polls, Congress had something to cheer about on Thursday. Yet another member of the Gandhi family took oath as a member of parliament.

The new MP of Wayanad took the oath wearing a traditional Kasavu saree, displaying the Kerala heritage on the big stage. Apart from displaying the rich heritage of Kerala, there is something else behind Priyanka choosing Kasavu saree for her debut in Parliament.

The Gandhi family always carried high respect for Kerala's traditional handloom industry and craftsmanship. Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka’s grandmother Indira Gandhi have worn Kerala sarees on several occasions.

Anish Rajendran, representative of Kasavu saree manufacturer ‘Karalkada’, said that it is a matter of pride for Kerala that Priyanka wore a Kasavu saree in Parliament.

'Her mother Sonia Gandhi and grandmother Indira Gandhi bought Kasavu sarees from our enterprise." The store wall still hangs a photo of former PM Rajiv Gandhi and his spouse Sonia buying Kasavu Saree from them.

"The Kasav saree with gold borders is a reference to the traditional weaving tradition of Kerala. They also have a history of influencing the social, cultural and economic sectors of Kerala' - Anish Rajendran told an online media.

“Priyanka Gandhi wearing Kasavu saree has given more hope to the Kasavu saree weavers in Kerala. It has gained national-level attention. The old tradition of Kasavu weaving is slowly fading from the state. Priyanka’s parliament debut in Kasavu is expected to revive the industry.” said Gopinath, a man with more than five decades of experience in weaving.

The revival of the handloom industry in Kerala is credited to Balarama Varma. In those years, most handloom works were concentrated in Thiruvananthapuram and the place was rechristened as ‘Balaramapuram’ as a tribute to the man behind the handloom industry revolution in Kerala.