Prasanna seeks Gandhian model to restore Badanavalu Khadi Centre

Mysuru: Gandhian and senior theatre personality Prasanna Heggodu has questioned the felling of old trees at the Khadi Centre in Badanavalu village of Nanjangud taluk in the name of development.He urged the state govt to adopt a sustainable Gandhian model for the conservation and rejuvenation of the centre, which Mahatma Gandhi had visited during the freedom movement.
Speaking to reporters, Prasanna expressed concern that the historic Badanavalu Khadi Centre—considered a national monument associated with khadi production and Gandhian ideals—had been disturbed due to what he termed the reckless actions of officials. Trees that had grown on the campus for decades were felled, and the structure of the centre was altered, he alleged.At the invitation of the Karnataka Khadi Board, volunteers from across the state had stayed in Badanavalu for the past two months, working with residents to revive the Khadi Centre and develop the area into a "Gandhi Gram." However, Prasanna said the hurried approach of certain officials, in the name of rapid development, had undermined these community-driven efforts.He further alleged that unnecessary buildings were being constructed and heavy machinery deployed, enabling contractors to profit at the cost of public resources. He accused the textile department of promoting powerloom khadi, synthetic khadi, and powerloom sarees and dhotis—products he described as counterfeit and harmful to the village economy and Gandhian philosophy.Prasanna also demanded that the Narasambudhi railway station at Badanavalu be renamed "Khadi Station." He suggested that the station be developed into a centre for promoting khadi and Mahatma Gandhi's ideals, attracting national and international visitors.Gandhian activist Mahadevappa was also present.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Women's day wishes, messages and quotes !