Udyog Bharti
Udyog Bharti, founded in 1957 under the leadership of Shri Hargovindbhai Patel, began with just 10 women spinning yarn on Gandhi charkhas. The institution was established to empower women and marginalized communities in the Gondal region of Gujarat by providing them with dignified livelihoods through khadi-related activities.
Committed to increasing employment and fair wages, Udyog Bharti focuses on innovation, product diversification, and technological advancement. Its key strengths lie in Khadi denim and Polyvastra. In collaboration with Arvind Mills, the institute pioneered Khadi denim production, which is now exported globally. It also played a leading role in developing Polyvastra—a unique handspun and handwoven fabric made from a polyester-cotton blend. The Khadi Institution is also engaged in the production of naturally yarn dyed fabrics, specifically for shirting and denim applications.
Many Indian designers collaborate with Udyog Bharti for design development and production, leveraging the institution’s skilled craftsmanship and infrastructure.
The institute started was in 1957 with a small rented room and 10 spinners spinning yarn on Gandhi charkha under the leadership of Mr. Hargovindbhai Patel who was involved with Saurashtra Rachnatmak samiti and Rashtriya Shala, Rajkot to develop Khadi activities in Gondal.
The institution aims towards women empowerment and empowering the backward class of the Gondal region of Gujarat development of khadi activities.
Products of Udyog Bharti
Khadi Denim
Dyed in natural indigo, the Khadi Institution produces selvedge Khadi denim in varying shades of blue. The yarns are handspun and woven in a twill weave on traditional handlooms, with a fabric width of 30 inches. A distinctive bright red selvedge adds a bold accent and signature finish to these artisanal denim fabrics.
Natural Dyed Shirting Fabrics
Udyog Bharti offers a diverse range of natural yarn-dyed khadi cotton fabrics ideal for shirting and apparel. These plain-woven fabrics, are well-suited for both men’s and women’s garments. The collection features a variety of checks, stripes, solids, chambrays, and textured fabrics, making it versatile for multiple design needs.
Printed Fabrics
The institute collaborates with traditional craft clusters across India to produce authentic hand-printed textiles, including Ajrakh from Kutch, Bagh from Madhya Pradesh, and Dabu and Bagru from Rajasthan. These collaborations help preserve indigenous printing techniques while adding cultural richness to their khadi fabric collections.
Design Process
Many design houses are connected with the institute for design intervention in production.
Know your Khadi Institution
Artisans
There are 1100 -1200 people involved at various levels. Spinners mostly belong to the Durbaar Rajput community of Surashtra region. There are about 120 women from ‘Jadeja’ community from a village named Shisham.
Printing
Udyog Bharti gets its fabric printed from various craft clusters in the country for indigenous authentic prints.
Machinery
Manufacturing unit
Udyog Bharti has its own manufacturing unit for looms and NMC charkhas, which are used both in-house and supplied to Khadi institutions across the country. The factory produces and also repairs a range of equipment including warp winders, warping frames, Pedal looms, and NMC charkhas. Most of the machinery used in their production process is made in-house.
Weaving
Khadi denim is woven by artisans on traditional frame looms in their homes, while other fabrics are produced on pedal looms installed in dedicated weaving sheds within the KI premises. Women from nearby villages work in these sheds, contributing to the weaving process. The Khadi Institution currently has a strong network of around 250–300 associated weavers.
Contact the KI : +919428462297
Made with pride by Artisans of Khadi Institutions.
.png)
