BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday unveiled the world’s largest wooden charkha, made by 42 carpenters in 55 days, at Terminal 3 of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).
The four-tonne charkha is made of high-quality Burma teak wood and is estimated to last for over 50 years. It is 9 feet wide, 17 feet tall and 30 feet long. The order to make the spinning wheel was given to Paryog Samiti, a Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) unit, near Sabarmati Ashram.
The charkha is placed at the departure forecourt between gate number 4 and 5. Delhi, being the national Capital, was initially selected for the charkha because all foreign embassies are here.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a message complimented KVIC : “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.”
Modi said, “I am sure the charkha will serve to remind travellers at the IGI airport of India’s timeless heritage and the values of sustainability and harmony that it stands for.”
Installation of the charkha will carry on the legacy of promoting India’s rich cultural heritage through different artworks at the terminal.
The charkha is an addition to the existing artwork at the terminal — Mudras, Regal Procession, Elephants statues, Surya sculpture, Suryanamaskar and Worli Art among others — which depict and showcase Indian heritage.