hile a charkha course may or may not add value to your resume, but it will certainly take you a step closer to Gandhian values.
With an aim to promote Gandhian ideologies among the youth, Delhi University had in February last year introduced a certificate course in charkha spinning. The course trains students not only in yarn-making but also seeing the world from the Mahatma’s perspective.
The classes are held once a week at Gandhi Bhawan, right next to Delhi University metro station. There are nearly 15 students in each batch, aged between 17 to 35 years. They sit on the ground with their charkhas in front of them. Some have already learnt how to make yarn out of cotton, spin the yarn and fold it into a bundle, while others, who are new to this, learn the procedure first.
Lata Singh, an MA student from DU, said: “I pursued the course last year, but keep coming back to the classes. Spinning the wheel has helped me a great deal in improving my concentration and focusing on my studies.”
After spinning a charkha continuously for 2-3 hours, the older students able to make a complete bundle of yarn that has about 500 threads in it.
Hindu College student Raja Chaudhary, who joined the course recently, said: “I wanted to engage in something that gave me spiritual satisfaction. That’s why I am here.”
The only noise emanating in class is by the spinning charkhas . At one corner sits the 77-year-old trainer and retired DU Professor. A Gandhian herself, Sita Bimbrahw has been attached to the course since its launch.
“I learnt how to spin the charkha from a freedom fighter. He not only taught me how to spin the wheel and make yarn, but he also taught me the Gandhian way of living and the values that made the Mahatma an iconic figure that he is. That is exactly what I am trying to teach today’s generation,” said Dr. Bimbrahw.
The course, which has been on for over a year now, has seen a spurt in the number of students.
“We get a number of interested students here. So far, we have given certificates to over 50 students. The course has been highly appreciated. There are around 15-20 students in each batch these days. None of the students here however come looking for an employability option,” said Gandhi Bhawan director Prof. Anita Sharma.
After the positive response from students, the institute is now planning to take the course a step forward and introduce weaving training to the students.
a freedom fighter taught me how to spin the charkha . besides this, he also taught me the Gandhian way of living and the values that made the Mahatma an iconic figure that he is. That is exactly what I am trying to teach today’s generation
