Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 31 made a fervent appeal to citizens to celebrate the upcoming festive season with a spirit of Swadeshi, encouraging people to adopt the mantra of Vocal for Local and walk on the path of Aatmanirbhar Bharat as a step towards the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Delivering the 125th episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the Prime Minister linked the festive fervour of Ganesh Utsav and other upcoming celebrations to the larger movement of promoting India-made goods. He urged people to proudly declare, “This is Swadeshi,” whenever they use or gift indigenous products.
Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi said, “At this time, the whole country is celebrating the pomp and fervour of Ganesh Utsav. The radiance of many festivals will spread in the coming days. You should never forget Swadeshi during these festivals.”
He called on people to ensure that gifts, attire, décor, and even festive lights are sourced from Indian artisans and manufacturers, underscoring that every need of life should be fulfilled through Swadeshi goods.
The Prime Minister framed it as a matter of pride: “We have to move forward with this feeling of pride for Swadeshi and say with pride, ‘This is Swadeshi’. One mantra, Vocal for Local; One path, Aatmanirbhar Bharat; One goal, Viksit Bharat.”
Soon after his address, PM Modi amplified his message on his official X handle (formerly Twitter), posting in Hindi: “Proudly say, this is Swadeshi!”
This appeal was in line with PM Modi’s recent address in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where he urged manufacturers, traders, and consumers alike to adopt Swadeshi as a “life mantra.”
The Prime Minister had said: “Gradually improve quality, reduce prices, and instil confidence in Indian products. The people of Hindustan will never take anything from outside.”
He stressed that the road to Viksit Bharat runs through Swadeshi, asking citizens to set an example before the world by prioritising indigenous goods, even when exchanging gifts during festivals.
Apart from pitching for Swadeshi, the Prime Minister reminded citizens to uphold cleanliness during festivities.
“Amidst all this joy, keep emphasising cleanliness, because where there is cleanliness, the joy of festivals rises even more,” he noted.
The Prime Minister’s recurring call for Swadeshi is part of his government’s larger push for economic self-reliance and cultural confidence. Since 2020, when he launched the Vocal for Local campaign amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Modi has consistently highlighted the importance of Indian-made goods in creating jobs, boosting rural industries, and reducing dependence on imports.
By linking Swadeshi with festive practices, the Prime Minister aims to make it a people’s movement, ensuring that economic choices also reflect cultural pride and national responsibility.
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