Ahmedabad: On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on both consumers and businesses to put “Made in India” items first as part of his ongoing push for a “swadeshi” (indigenous) movement. The Prime Minister spoke at an event in his home state of Gujarat and especially tied the call to the approaching holiday season, which includes Diwali, Dhanteras, Vijay Dashami (Dussehra), and Navratri.
The Prime Minister remarked that “businessmen should put up a big sign outside their stores that says they only sell ‘swadeshi’ goods.” He framed the move as a way to celebrate culture and drive the country forward.
Modi told people to adopt a new saying: “Whatever we buy will be ‘Made in India’; it will be local.” He said that festivals should not just be a way to celebrate culture, but also a way to celebrate being independent.
The Prime Minister’s call comes at a time when the global economy is becoming less stable and India is becoming more solid in its opposition to protectionist policies from other countries, especially the United States. He also advised firms to “refrain from selling items sourced from other countries,” saying that “These small yet impactful steps can play a significant role in driving our nation’s progress and prosperity.”
The “swadeshi” effort is part of the government’s “Vocal for Local” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) programs, which are getting more and more support. Modi has always supported these programs, saying they will help the economy and make the country stronger. He has said before that the “swadeshi movement is not a relic from a hundred years ago, but a campaign that strengthens the future, and its leadership must come from society, especially the youth.”
The Prime Minister’s message is clear: in a time of global economic instability, supporting local production and consumption is not only the right thing to do, but also the best way to protect India’s long-term economic interests.