Silent protest at KVIc as PM Modi replaces Mahatma Gandhi

New Delhi : In a major surprise for most of the employees at Khadi Village Industries commission, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's picture has been used instead of iconic Mahatma Gandhi on the calendars and diaries published.

Reports suggest that the employees at the KVIc who were shocked at the development observed a silent protest at the Vile Parle headquarters during the lunch hours on Thursday.

Virtually rendered speechless, employees of KVIC at its Vile Parle headquarters staged "a silent, soul-cleansing" protest during lunch hour on Thursday.

The employees gathered and prayed before a statue of Gandhiji installed in the KVIC hall, and later wearing black bands on their mouths staged the symbolic protest.

Contacted for comments, KVIC Chairman Vinai Kumar Saxena said this was "not unusual" and there have been deviations in the past.

"The entire khadi industry (udyog) is based on Gandhiji's philosophy, ideas and ideals, he is the soul of KVIC, so there is no question of ignoring him," Saxena told IANS.

He also justified usage of PM Narendra Modi’s picture and claimed that he was the Khadi’s biggest brand ambassador and his vision matched that of the KVIC.

However the employees were not convinced.

"We are pained at this systematic easing out of Mahatma Gandhi's ideas, philosophy and ideals by the government. Last year, the first minor attempt was made by including the PM's photos in the calendar," said a senior KVIC staffer, requesting anonymity amid fear of official reprisal.

In fact, in 2016 the staff unions in KVIC had raised the calendar matter strongly with the management and were assured that it would not be repeated in future.

(with inputs from IANS)