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Indians upset over calendar featuring PM Narendra Modi on the cover

How could he replace Gandhi they ask.

Sohini Mitter

on January 13, 2017

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Indians are unhappy with the fact that their Prime Minister has now entered wall calendars and table diaries.

Issued by the government-owned Khadi Village Industries Commission (KVIC), the 2017 calendars and diaries carry a cover photograph of Narendra Modi, instead of Mahatma Gandhi, who'd been on it for decades.

Modi is seen weaving 'khadi' (a handspun cotton cloth) in a 'charkha' (a traditional spinning wheel) in the classic Gandhi pose, which was a symbol of the nationalist movement in pre-independent India.

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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Khadi's association with Gandhi is not only historic but also philosophical as it reflects his values and ideals of simplicity. Khadi workers have now revolted and are reportedly marching in protest of the move. Some have even called for the "reprinting" of calendars.

It has largely antagonized the masses too, some of whom have deemed the act "shameful".