Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday said that since India was opting for ‘vocal for local’, many local Indian products have the potential of becoming globally popular and are attracting a lot of attention.
“World is becoming a fan of our local products. One such example is Khadi. Our Khadi is being known as nature-friendly fabric plus its becoming a fashion statement,” Modi in his Mann Ki Baat radio programme.
The prime minister also said that Khadi has since long been a statement of “simplicity”. He added the fabric has health benefits as its body-friendly and is also an all-weather fabric.
He said that on Gandhi Jayanti, the Khadi store in Delhi’s Connaught Place witnessed a massive sale of Rs10mn.
The prime minister also asked citizens to opt for local products during the festive season.
“When you go out to buy something during these festive times, remember the vocal for local,” he said.
“During the lockdown, we closely came to know about those members of society, without whom our lives would be miserable. Sanitation workers, brothers and sisters working as domestic helps, local vegetable vendors, milkmen, security guards....we have now felt the significance of their roles in our lives in a better way,” the prime minister said.
Modi said during this crisis, “these people were with us, now during the festivities, we shall make these people a part of our celebrations. I earnestly urge you to ensure, in whatever way, in making them a part of your celebrations. Treat them as members of your own family...you will see for yourself how your joy rises by leaps and bounds.”
The prime minister also wished the nation on the occasion of Vijay Dashmi or Dusshera.
“On this auspicious occasion, heartiest greetings to all of you. The festival of Dussehra is one of the triumph of truth over untruth. But, simultaneously, it is also the festival of victory of patience over crises,” he said.
“Today, all of you are carrying on with immense patience, celebrating the festival with restraint...and hence, in our ongoing fight, our victory too is assured,” he said.
The prime minister also asked the citizens to think of the braveheart soldiers who are firmly stationed on the borders in line of duty.
“Even during these festive time, all in service, security of Mother India. We have to light a lamp at home in honour of these brave sons and daughters of Mother India,” he said.
Modi stressed the need for unity among Indians and cautioned them about divisive forces.
“Unity is power, unity is strength, unity empowers, united we will scale new heights. However, there are elements who try to plant the seed of suspicion among us, divide us. The nation too has given apt answers each time,” the prime minister said ahead of ‘National Unity Day’ on October 31.
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