Khadi: Gandhi′s Mega Symbol of Subversion

The significance of khadi has already been explored by a number of scholars from different angles. Peter Gonsalves has made his foray into this area, writing largely from a communication perspective, first in his book Clothing for Liberation (SAGE, 2010), and now in this sequel, which lays out the historical foundation for the theoretical claims on Gandhian sartorial communication published in his previous work. It covers new ground by highlighting the ′subversive′ nature of Gandhi′s sartorial choices through a range of disciplines, and has brought Gandhian communication through attire to centre stage.

I am sure the academic community and communication specialists would welcome its effort to highlight brilliantly the communicative power of an ordinary cloth to mould a national movement that dethroned colonialism while subverting the values it upheld.

-- John S Moolakkattu

Investigates the power of symbol to qualitatively transform society. Threading together historical evidence by discussing the complex challenges in Gandhi’s highly polarised environment...the present work is noteworthy for the originality of its approach, the richness of documentation it supplies, and the clarity with which the relevance and depth of Gandhi’s thoughts and actions are demonstrated.

-- The Sunday Standard

Yet another addition to the remarkably diverse Gandhian scholarship.

-- Ammara Khan

A powerful critique of the whole political economy of India. This book is a rare achievement.

-- Arvind Sivaramakrishnan

A beautifully produced book. Gonsalves’ communication angle leads to a creative reading of what is no doubt one of the most powerful communication events in world history […] the communication dimension penetrates the book in more ways than one: the careful collection of photos, the figures and tables that intersperse the chapters, and the crispness and raciness of the narrative. 

-- Ivo Coelho

Gonsalves’ study is exceptional – and brilliant, and, may one add, deeply emotive.

-- M. V. Kamath

Noteworthy for the originality of its approach, the richness of the documentation it supplies, and the clarity with which the relevance and depth of Gandhi’s thoughts and actions are demonstrated.

-- Yogesh Vaj