Why is PM Modi Advocating for a 'Vocal for Local' Movement This Diwali?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Embrace 'Swadeshi' products this Diwali.
- Support local artisans and manufacturers.
- Share your purchases on social media to inspire others.
- Participate in the 'Vocal for Local' movement.
- Contribute to the national economy by shopping locally.
New Delhi, Oct 19 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the people of India to embrace 'Swadeshi' products this festive season, highlighting the importance of national pride in local craftsmanship and innovation.
In a post shared on X, PM Modi encouraged the nation’s 1.4 billion citizens to celebrate Diwali by choosing Indian-made goods, proudly stating, 'Garv Se Kaho Yeh Swadeshi Hai!' (Proudly say this is Swadeshi!).
He also urged individuals to share their purchases on social media to inspire others, thereby creating a supportive environment for local artisans and manufacturers.
The Prime Minister’s message was accompanied by a vibrant video from MyGovIndia, featuring Bollywood celebrities such as Varun Dhawan, Madhuri Dixit, Tripti Dimri, Anupam Kher, Sunil Grover, and Rupali Ganguly, along with singer Shankar Mahadevan.
This two-minute video, set in lively markets adorned with lights, showcases families shopping for sweets, sarees, shoes, and electronics, all marked as 'Made in India'.
It highlights local shopping destinations including Men's Collection in Old Delhi, Mandore Bazar in Jodhpur, Lighthouse on Rajpur Road in Dehradun, and Pure Education Collection in Kolkata's Tollygunge.
The viral video encourages the purchase of indigenous products like vehicles, appliances such as TVs, ACs, fridges, washing machines, smartphones, and laptops, all crafted by the youth of India.
It concludes with the 'Vocal for Local' slogan, urging people to take selfies with their purchases or with artisans and share them on the NaMo app, with PM Modi promising to repost select entries.
This initiative is part of PM Modi's ongoing 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) campaign, established in 2020 during the pandemic to enhance domestic production and minimize imports.
Experts believe this initiative could invigorate the economy, especially during Diwali when consumer spending typically rises by 20-30%, according to industry estimates.
This push comes as India seeks to lessen its dependence on imports.
Social media has been buzzing with responses, ranging from supportive comments to critiques of luxury imports.
As the festive season approaches, PM Modi's appeal is likely to resonate, potentially igniting a 'Swadeshi' shopping movement.