Ahead of Deepavali celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged Indians to promote the “Vocal for Local” campaign and buy indigenous products in order to achieve the dream of Aatmnirbhar Bharat, or a self-sufficient India.
During his monthly Mann Ki Baat address, Mr. Modi said that the ongoing Khadi Mahotsav had broken all its previous sales records. While sales had barely touched ₹30,000 crore in previous years, sales in this edition were about to reach ₹1.25 lakh crore, he said.
“Benefiting from these sales are our weavers, handicraft artisans, our farmers, cottage industries engaged in growing Ayurvedic plants,” the PM said, requesting his audience to buy products made by local artisans during their travels for tourism or pilgrimage. Asking them to illuminate their homes only with local products, he said that the “Vocal for Local” spirit should not be limited only to festival shopping, but also for all the necessities of life.
