Capturing The Essence of Freedom

Swadheen, a retrospective exhibition held at Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery, Mumbai, celebrated the life and times of Jankidevi Bajaj, a proponent of Gandhian values and staunch supporter of Khadi.

- Sudeepta Vyas

As the curtain rose on January 7, 2024 at Mumbai's Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery, it unfolded a dream spanning over 30 years. Kiran Bajaj, inspired by the legacy of Jankidevi Bajaj, brought forth a unique Khadi exhibition, not merely as a platform for weavers' designs but as a reintroduction to the 'Fabric of Freedom'.

A Swadheen was inaugurated by Dr Pheroza Godrej, art historian, environmentalist and writer along with Kiran Bajaj. It brought together the historical, social and economic contexts in which the Fabric of Freedom has developed and continues to exist. The three-day event included textile art installations, guided walkthroughs, a tribute to Jankidevi Bajaj, panel discussions and lecture sessions, and a curated exhibition-cum-sale by entrepreneurs and artisan-led initiatives showcasing wearables and lifestyle products. The eminent speakers were Sushma VeerappaUdaanta Trust; Venkata Krishna-Discovering Roots; Dr Suman Koulagi; Ravikiran-Metaphor Racha and Paresh Patel-Royal Brocades. The exhibition participants were Metaphor Racha, Tula Organic, Magan Khadi, Kullvi Whims, Amoda, Discovering Roots, Bunkar Bihar, The Charkha, Manas by Manas Ghorai, Little Bee Charitable Trust and Rajiben Vankar.

The genesis of Swadheen traces back to the 1970s when Kiran Bajaj, a young bride, met her grandmother-in-law Jankidevi Bajaj, a freedom fighter and social reformer. Over her interactions and time spent in Wardha, she learned more about Jankidevi, a rich Marwari woman who gave up her luxuries in a matter of seconds. She was influenced by her husband Jamnalal Bajaj and Mahatma Gandhi and embraced their stringent lifestyle. For Jankidevi, this was an act of resolute acceptance and understanding of the Swadeshi movement.