RANCHI: Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and former Union Minister Arjun Munda on October 9 inaugurated the 18th Swadeshi Mela at Gopal Maidan in Bistupur, Jharkhand. The Swadeshi Mela will be held from October 8 to 16, 2025.
It is noteworthy that the Swadeshi Mela was first organised in 2001 by the Swadeshi Jagran Manch (an RSS-inspired organisation) with the aim of promoting indigenously manufactured goods and providing recognition to local employment. This year’s Mela features stalls showcasing products from 22 different states across the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Arjun Munda said that the Swadeshi Mela is inspired by national ideals. “Bharat achieved independence, but our economic independence can truly be understood by observing the condition of a rural person,” he said. To make the country self-reliant, it is essential to understand and respect the market for indigenous goods.
He explained that while foreign companies doing business in India contribute to the country’s horizontal growth, it is only when domestic companies thrive and citizens wholeheartedly use indigenous products that the nation experiences vertical growth.
He further urged Indian entrepreneurs to foster a spirit of research and innovation. Munda added that every Indian must remember three things, what we were, what we are, and what we can become as these reflections chart the path toward true development.
Recalling the historic meeting between Jamsetji Tata and Swami Vivekananda, Munda said it laid the foundation for Bharat’s first fully indigenous steel company. He noted that the Union Government is implementing several policies to accelerate the nation’s progress and that indigenously manufactured goods are finding increasing recognition in the market. He emphasised that further promotion is needed so Bharat-made products gain a distinctive identity globally, fulfilling the vision of a self-reliant Bharat.
Jamshedpur East MLA Purnima Sahu, Tata Steel Vice President of Corporate Services DB Sundara Ramam, Jharkhand State Cricket Association Secretary Saurav Tiwari, and members of the Swadeshi Jagran Manch were also present at the inauguration.
It is also worth noting that a ten-day Swadeshi Mela is being organised across all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh from October 9 to 19, aimed at promoting local products ahead of Diwali. The initiative seeks to support MSMEs, as well as khadi, handloom, and handicraft sectors, providing them with a robust platform at the district level.
In Delhi also, a three-day swadeshi mela started on October 9 at Kartavya Path lawns to promote homegrown products.
