Mumbai :
World’s largest charkha (spinning wheel) was unveiled today at the Terminal 3 terminal of IGI Airport. At the unveiling ceremony, Union MSME Minister Kalraj Mishra said charkha is a symbol of Gandhian values and shows government’s priority towards khadi and village industries.
He added charkha represents swadeshi, self-sufficiency and at the same time, interdependence, because the wheel is at the center of a network of cotton growers, carders, weavers, distributors and users. BJP President Amit Shah was also present at the ceremony.
“The idea behind displaying the world’s biggest charkha at the country’s busiest airport is to highlight India’s quest to foster an egalitarian society as demonstrated by Mahatma Gandhi. Installation of the iconic charkha at the departure forecourt would carry forward the legacy of promoting India’s rich cultural heritage through different artworks at the terminal,” an official statement said.
All the existing artworks at the terminal - Mudras, Regal procession, Elephant statues, Surya Sculpture, Suryanamaskar and Worli Art among others - depict and showcase Indian heritage globally.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a message for the occasion had recently said: “The charkha is a symbol of our glorious heritage and an inspiring reminder of our freedom struggle, led by the father of the Nation- Mahatma Gandhi.”
PM had further said the charkha will serve to remind travellers at the IGI Airport of India’s timeless heritage and the values of sustainability and harmony that it stands for.
The four-tonne charkha, made from high-quality Burma teakwood, which is estimated to last over 50 years, is 9 ft wide, 17 ft tall and 30 ft long.
It was built in 55 days by a team of 42 skilled carpenters hailing from Ahmedabad.
