INOC, USA registers strong protest at ‘Modi’ replacing Gandhi ji on KVIC calendar:

The Indian National Overseas Congress, USA strongly opposes the fact that the Prime Minister has replaced Mahatma Gandhi on the wall calendars and table diaries issued by the Government-owned Khadi Village Industries Commission (KVIC). The 2017 Calendars and Diaries carry a cover photograph of Narendra Modi, instead of Mahatma Gandhi, who had been on it for decades.

‘We are indeed pained by the action of the commission that reinforces the deep suspicion in the public domain that this is part of an ongoing effort to diminish the heroes of our independence and to erase their relevance’ said George Abraham, Chairman of the Indian National Overseas Congress, USA. Despite the current Government’s efforts, Gandhiji will continue to live forever in the hearts and minds of the freedom loving people everywhere’ Mr. Abraham added.

'The entire Khadi industry is based on Gandhi’s philosophy, ideas, and ideals. It is ludicrous to think that Modi can ever replace Gandhi as it biggest brand ambassador' said Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of INOC. He further agreed with the assessment in the media that, ‘sitting in front of spinning wheel will never make anyone a Gandhi.'

Congress spokesperson Randeep S Surjewala is quoted as saying ‘ Khadi and Gandhiji are symbols of our history, self-reliance, and struggle. Removing Gandhiji’s photo is a sacrilegious sin”. INOC, USA concurs wholeheartedly with that sentiment.

We hope that KVIC will reexamine its wrongheaded decision and restore those calendars with the decade-long practice of using the image of Gandhi Ji who is adored and respected the world over.