Nanjangud: Nanjangud MLA Darshan Dhruvanarayan has said, the world’s biggest ever Charaka (spinning wheel) will be built on the premises of Khadi and Village Industries Centre at Badanavalu in Nanjangud taluk, to develop it as a prominent tourist attraction of the State.

He was speaking to media persons after inspecting the Khadi and Gramodyog Centre, at Badanavalu on May 12.

“Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi, with a noble intention to encourage the cottage industry, had established Khadi and Spinning Centre, during his visit to Badanwal. The State Government has allocated Rs. 40 crore to preserve and conserve this Khadi Centre, spread over 5.6 acres of land. To protect the history associated with Khadi Centre, a heritage style building will be constructed, along with a museum on the lines of Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat, Yoga Centre, Go Shala and Cottage Industries,” said Darshan.

The biggest ever Charaka, that has been planned will be kept in motion, with the help of a motor fixed to it. In addition, azure environment will be created, he added.

Further encouragement will be given to produce khadi clothes, by encouraging and attracting youths to take up training in spinning khadi clothes, which commands a good price in the global market.

In the second stage, rural cottage industries like- matchbox and rope manufacturing, paper and others will be established.

Overall, the history pertaining to the freedom movement championed by Mahatma Gandhi, will be retold for posterity, highlighted Darshan.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of State Khadi and Village Industries Board Dr. D.B. Natesh said, MLA Darshan has a keen interest for the comprehensive development of Khadi Centre, which was established by Gandhiji in the year 1927. The MLA has instructed to unveil new attractions for the centenary year.

 “A digital portrait of Gandhiji to create a realistic impression, digital screen to exhibit the video clippings of Gandhiji’s freedom movement will be the other attractions. Presently, Holenarispur Society is involved in producing Khadi clothes here at Badanavalu,” he added.

Former MLA Kalale Keshavmurthy, Tahsildar Smitha Ramu, Khadi Board Member Shabeer, AEE of Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) Sharan, AE Lokesh, leaders Srinivas Murthy, Somu, Vijaykumar, Mahesh and others were present.