'Work that even awed PM Modi'; Kerala's two Khadi weavers invited as special guests to Republic Day celebrations

KANNUR: They have been weaving dreams on a thread for years. A call from the Khadi Commission was treated very casually, as they never expected it to be more than a formal meeting. However, K.V. Bindu and Elizabeth George were in disbelief after the commission informed them that they had been selected as special guests at the Republic Day Parade to be held in Delhi on the 26th.

KV Bindu and Elizabeth George are weavers of the Kannur Payyannur Firka Gramodaya Khadi Sangh. Bindu has been working at the Cherupuzha Kundamthadam unit for sixteen years, and Elizabeth for thirteen years.

Both of them consider the invitation to one of India’s grandest stages as a New Year's gift nonetheless. They are excited and honoured to be able to see the Prime Minister and the parade in person.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kerala, he was amazed by the “Triply Manila shirting" he saw in Thiruvananthapuram and inquired about the product. The cloth was later gifted to Modi. The country has now invited those hands behind the meticulous work to witness the Republic Day parade in 2026. With this, the uniqueness of Payyannur Khadi has gained national attention. Manila shirt pieces are woven with special skill using yarns of three different colours.

The weavers are paid meagre wages. The Kundamthadam unit has fifty-seven workers who work from home and in the unit. They earn only seventy rupees for one meter of weave.

Bindu is also a worker representative on the board of directors of Firka Gramodaya Khadi Sangh.

Bindu’s husband is Rajeev. Sons Vishnu and Jishnu. Elizabeth's husband is Reji.

Bindu, her son Jishnu, Elizabeth and Reji will fly to Delhi on the 22nd.