‘Think Swadeshi whenever you shop’: On birthday, PM Modi’s pitch to boost Indian economy

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

Addressing a public rally in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district, PM Modi said that Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) is the path to achieve Viksit Bharat (developed India) by 2047.

“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,” he said.

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.”

Giving the reasoning behind his repeated calls for ‘swadeshi’, the Prime Minister said that the money circulating in the Indian markets can be used for investing in development projects.

“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,” PM Modi said.

Earlier this month, as the Centre ushered in GST reforms, the Prime Minister emphasised 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 stated that each MP should organise an exhibition in every sector of their constituency and showcase local artisans, micro and small industries, and indigenous products.

“Every shop should have a board that says, ‘Garv se Kaho, ye swadesi hai’. State governments should run a campaign for this,” PM Modi said”

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,” he added.

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. PM Modi was addressing the gathering in MP as he launched the ‘Swasth Nari Shashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’ and inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple development works in Dhar in Madhya Pradesh.

(This is an agency copy. Except for the headline, the copy has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)