Tucked away near Dharwad in Karnataka lies the Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha (KKGSS), the only Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)-certified unit authorized to make India’s national flag . The journey began in Garag village, where freedom-era activists established a khadi weaving centre in 1954. Though production has since shifted to Hubballi’s Bengeri unit, the village remains symbolic as the flag’s birthplace .

At KKGSS, over 1,200 artisans - most of them women - craft flags following meticulous BIS specifications: hand-spun and hand-woven cotton khadi, precise dimensions, correct thread count, and perfect alignment of the Ashoka Chakra . The finished flags, many flown atop the Red Fort, are recognized both for their craftsmanship and patriotic symbolism.

However, recent amendments to the Flag Code of India - allowing polyester and machine-made flags—have severely impacted KKGSS. Demand for khadi flags has plummeted by up to 75%, threatening livelihoods and diminishing the legacy of khadi as a freedom struggle symbol