Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, while addressing a gathering in Varanasi, urged citizens to wholeheartedly embrace the spirit of "Swadeshi" by purchasing only locally-made products during the upcoming Diwali and wedding season.
‘Wed in India’: Modi Renews Emotional Call to Retain Wealth Within the Country
Emphasising that true service to the nation lies in supporting indigenous goods, Modi said, “With Diwali and wedding season ahead, let’s vow to buy only Swadeshi products.” He also appealed to families planning weddings to “Wed in India,” urging them not to let India’s wealth flow abroad, especially amid ongoing global economic uncertainties.
With the festival and wedding seasons approaching, the prime minister encouraged people to ensure that all new purchases are made in India.
He recalled how many citizens who were planning to hold wedding events abroad shifted them to India after his earlier appeal.
Appeal to Shopkeepers: Fill Shelves with Swadeshi Goods
Making a special appeal to traders and shopkeepers, the prime minister said, "At a time when the world is going through uncertainty, let us take a pledge to sell only Swadeshi goods from our shops and markets. Promoting made in India goods will be the truest service to the country."
Addressing a public meeting in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi, Modi said, "As we talk about economic progress, I want to draw your attention to the current global scenario.
"The world economy is facing instability and uncertainty. In such times, countries are focusing solely on their own interests. India, too, is on the path to becoming the world's third-largest economy and must remain alert to its own economic priorities."
US Tariff Hike on Indian Exports Sparks Renewed Push for Local Goods
The prime minister's renewed push for 'Swadeshi' (indigenous) comes amid the US announcing tariffs on exports from about 70 nations, including India. According to the White House order, India now faces tariffs of 25 per cent for its exports to the US.
Emphasising that farmers, small industries and employment for youths are the top-most priorities for the government, Modi said, "The government is doing everything possible in this direction. But as citizens, we too have responsibilities."
Calling for a national movement to support local products, the prime minister said, "This is not just about Modi saying it, every Indian should say this if we want India to become the third-largest economy, every political party and every leader, keeping aside their hesitations, must work in the nation's interest and awaken the spirit of Swadeshi among the people."
‘Vocal for Local’ and Conscious Consumption the Way Forward
He also urged people to be conscious consumers, saying, "Whatever we buy, we should ask ourselves has an Indian toiled to make this? If it has been made by the sweat of our people, with their skills, that product is Swadeshi for us. We must adopt the mantra of 'Vocal for Local'."
Making a special appeal to traders and shopkeepers, the prime minister said, "At a time when the world is going through uncertainty, let us take a pledge to sell only Swadeshi goods from our shops and markets. Promoting made in India goods will be the truest service to the country."
PM Modi was addressing a massive public gathering in Banauli village, Sevapuri, Varanasi during a one-day visit. On this occasion, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 52 development projects worth approximately ₹2,200 crore, reinforcing his government’s commitment to infrastructure and regional development.
With Inputs from PTI
