Varanasi: In a heartfelt address to the people of his parliamentary constituency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday made a clarion call for embracing the spirit of Swadeshi by prioritising indigenous products and services, especially during the upcoming Diwali and wedding season.
“With Diwali and wedding season ahead, let’s vow to buy only Swadeshi products,” the Prime Minister said, urging citizens to ensure that all their new purchases are made in India. He appealed to families to hold celebrations and weddings within the country, stating, “Wed in India,” so that India’s wealth does not flow abroad, particularly at a time when the global economy is marked by instability.
He cited instances where citizens changed their wedding plans from international destinations to Indian locations in response to his earlier appeals. Recalling those shifts, he reinforced that “true service to the nation lies in supporting indigenous goods.”
Speaking directly to the business community, Modi made a special appeal: “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.”
The Prime Minister’s renewed emphasis on Swadeshi comes as India faces fresh challenges, including the United States’ decision to impose 25 per cent tariffs on exports from India and several other countries.
“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,” Modi said. “India, too, is on the path to becoming the world’s third-largest economy and must remain alert to its own economic priorities.”
He underlined the government’s commitment to farmers, small industries, and youth employment. “The government is doing everything possible in this direction. But as citizens, we too have responsibilities,” he said.
Calling for a national movement, he 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.”
The Prime Minister concluded with a message for all Indians: “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’.”
