President Pratibha Devisingh Patil has urged the people to protect and nourish the rich traditions of Khadi. Speaking at the inaugural function of a 17- day long National Khadi and Handicraft Festival in Ranchi on Friday, she said Gandhiji made Khadi a tool of economic and spiritual self- reliance, which gave strength to ordinary citizens of India to fight the mighty colonial power. She said increasing globalisation has given us an opportunity to take the culture of Khadi to different parts of the world. The President gave 36 presented medals to the meritorious students at the 25th convocation ceremony of the Ranchi University.