PM Modi on his birthday urges people to buy 'swadeshi'

PM Modi while adressing public in Dhar. Pic/PTI

On the occasion of his 75th birthday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his appeal to citizens of the country to prioritise 'Swadeshi' (Made in India) products to realise the mission of Viksit Bharat.

As reported by news agency ANI, PM Modi, while addressing a public rally in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district, said that Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) is the path to achieve Viksit Bharat (developed India) by 2047.

The Prime Minister asserted, "This is the time of festivals. You have to keep repeating the mantra of 'swadeshi' products... I request that 140 crore Indians, whatever you buy, should be made in India. Whatever you buy should have the sweat of an Indian behind its making. Whatever you buy should have a smell of India's soil. I want your help to make Viksit Bharat till 2047. The way to Viksit Bharat passes through Atmanirbhar Bharat," as cited by news agency ANI.

While recalling Mahatma Gandhi's use of 'swadeshi', the Prime Minister said, "Mahatma Gandhi made 'swadeshi' a medium for Independence, and now we have to make 'swadeshi' the foundation of Viksit Bharat."

Moreover, PM Modi, while giving the reasoning behind his repeated calls for 'swadeshi', said that the money circulating in the Indian markets can be used for investing in development projects.

He further asserted that, "When we buy made-in-India products, our money stays within the country. And that money can be used for building roads, schools, and primary healthcare centres and helping the poor and widowed mothers," as per ANI.

Earlier this month, the Centre ushered in GST reforms. The Prime Minister, while hailing the new GST reforms implemented by the centre, the Prime Minister emphasised that, "From September 22, the first day of Navratri, new GST reforms will be implemented. We have to take advantage of them by buying Indian products," as per PTI.

He further highlighted the theme "Garv se kaho ye swadeshi hai" and asked MPs to organise 'Swadeshi Melas' during Diwali and Navaratri to promote Indian products and encourage people to buy them.

He further stated that Madhya Pradesh should organise an exhibition in every sector of their constituency and showcase local artisans, micro and small industries, and indigenous products.

While Atmanirbhar Bharat has been a vision for the central government, the recent push for 'swadeshi' products comes amid the 50 per cent tariffs levied by the United States on imports of Indian goods.

(With inputs from ANI)