NID ties S Africa, India with khadi

South Africa and India: The two former colonial countries bound by the Gandhi connection will soon have another binding factor — khadi. While the National Institute of Design (NID) has been roped in to prepare a range of garments and accessories to complement the designs of both India and South Africa under the brand name of Afri-Khadi, the Ministry of External Affairs is still mulling over the possibility of President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam inaugurating the collection.

Dr Himadri Ghosh, Activity Chairperson of NID’s Integrated Design Services said: ‘‘The range is to be presented during South African President Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki’s October 16-17 visit. The range will be made available for sale in both the countries together. In India, it will be retailed through Khadi outlets. Four African artisans will stay at NID for a month to develop this range along with our artisans.’’ The process for developing Afri-Khadi range started with a group from NID led by Ghosh visiting South Africa in July end.