Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reiterated his appeal for citizens to strengthen the “vocal for local” movement, encouraging people to prioritise Indian-made products. He made the remarks during the 128th episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
PM Modi said that the message of promoting local craftsmanship was reflected even in the gifts he presented to world leaders during the recent G20 Summit. These included a Chola-era inspired bronze Nataraja statue for the President of South Africa, a silver horse replica from Udaipur for the Canadian Prime Minister, a silver Buddha from Telangana for the Japanese Prime Minister, a silver mirror from Karimnagar for the Italian Prime Minister, and a brass urli from Kerala for the Australian Prime Minister.
He said the intention behind these gifts was to highlight Indian art, craft traditions, and the skills of local artisans on the global stage.
PM Modi added that consumer behaviour during recent festive shopping indicated a shift towards Swadeshi products, with many people consciously choosing Indian-made items. He noted that even small shopkeepers had observed this trend, and that young people had contributed significantly to the movement.
With Christmas and New Year celebrations approaching, the Prime Minister urged people to continue supporting local goods, saying that citizens should “buy only what is made in the country” and “sell only what bears the hard work of a citizen of the country.”