PM Modi Urges Pride in ‘Swadeshi’ Products During Mann Ki Baat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of “swadeshi” (made in India) products during his monthly broadcast of the Mann Ki Baat programme on Sunday. With the festival season approaching, Modi called on citizens to take pride in local products, highlighting the mantra of “vocal for local” and the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) as pathways to a developed nation.

As various regions prepare to celebrate the Ganesh festival, Durga Puja, and Diwali, Modi urged people to prioritize swadeshi items when selecting gifts, clothing, and decorations. He stated, “Say with pride this is swadeshi,” reinforcing his message with passionate repetition. This rallying cry comes at a time of heightened focus on India’s economic independence, especially following a significant tariff imposed by former US President Donald Trump, which increased duties on Indian goods by 50 percent.

Promoting Indian Culture and Resilience

During the broadcast, Modi also celebrated the global recognition of Indian culture, mentioning a recent event in Canada where a 51-foot statue of Lord Rama was unveiled in Mississauga. He noted an exhibition in Vladivostok, Russia, where children showcased paintings inspired by the Ramayana, indicating a growing appreciation for Indian heritage worldwide. Modi stated, “It is indeed heartening to see the growing awareness of Indian culture in different parts of the world.”

In light of recent natural disasters impacting India during the monsoon season, Modi expressed concern for affected communities. “This monsoon season, natural disasters are testing the country,” he said, detailing the destruction of homes and fields, as well as the devastation to infrastructure. The Prime Minister praised the efforts of national and state emergency forces who have worked tirelessly to provide aid, employing advanced technologies such as thermal cameras, life detectors, and drone surveillance for rescue operations.

Modi highlighted the achievements of Jammu and Kashmir amidst these challenges, specifically mentioning the first day-night cricket match in Pulwama and the inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival at Dal Lake in Srinagar. He remarked on the record attendance at the cricket match, stating, “Earlier this was impossible, but now my country is changing.”

Encouraging Youth and Community Spirit

The Prime Minister’s engagement with young athletes was also evident during the broadcast. He spoke with Mohsin Ali, a gold medalist from Jammu and Kashmir, praising the potential of local youth to bring glory to the nation. Modi emphasized the importance of unity under the theme of “ek Bharat, shrestha Bharat” (one India, great India) and how sports foster this spirit.

In a notable development, German coach Dietmar Beiersdorfer reached out to offer training to football players from Shahdol, inspired by their passion for the sport. Modi expressed enthusiasm about this exchange, stating, “Truly, no one had imagined that talented football players from there would attract the attention of other countries.” This opportunity will see some players travel to Germany for further training.

Additionally, Modi took a moment to reflect on historical events during his broadcast, playing an audio clip of India’s first Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, in connection with the upcoming Hyderabad Liberation Day on September 17. He noted that this month would be a time to honor the courage of those involved in Operation Polo, which liberated Hyderabad from Nizam rule.

Through these discussions, Modi aimed to inspire a sense of pride in local products, resilience in the face of adversity, and appreciation for India’s rich cultural heritage, encouraging citizens to unify for the nation’s development.