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.
All the existing art works at the terminal – Mudras, Regal procession, Elephant statues, Surya Sculpture, Suryanamaskar and Worli Art among others – depict and showcase Indian heritage globally.
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in a message for this occasion 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”.
The four-tones Charkha made from high-quality Burma teak wood is estimated to last for over 50 years. It is 9 ft wide, 17 ft tall and 30 ft long. It was built in 55 days by a team of 42 highly skilled carpenters hailing from Ahmedabad
Unveiling the Charkha Shri Kalraj Mishra said that the Charkha is the symbol of Gandhian values and shows the Government’s priority to Khadi and Village Industries in the country. He added that 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.
The Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas (Independent Charge), Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, BJP President Amit Shah, Minister of State for Culture (Independent Charge), Tourism (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, the Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh and other dignitaries are also present on this occasion.