Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 30 August renewed his call for Indians to go 'Vocal for Local' during the upcoming festive season, urging citizens to consciously choose Made in India products for every household purchase. The appeal came during the 137th episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', broadcast from New Delhi.

The Festive Season Backdrop

Modi noted that several significant festivals are on the horizon in the coming weeks and months. He specifically highlighted Janmashtami on 4 September and Vishwakarma Puja later in September, calling on citizens to honour artisans, craftspeople, and the broader community of Vishwakarma workers during those occasions.

'Our festivals and celebrations not only uphold our traditions but also provide us with opportunities to connect with one another,' Modi said, adding that preparations for Deepawali — still months away — had already begun gradually.

Broader Vision Behind 'Vocal for Local'

The Prime Minister was careful to expand the scope of the campaign well beyond its most visible symbol — the traditional earthen lamp. 'Being 'Vocal for Local' does not merely mean buying earthen lamps; the vision behind it is much broader. Whatever item we purchase for our homes, do ensure to see that it is made in India,' he said.

Modi framed consistent preference for domestically manufactured goods as a direct contribution to India's larger goal of self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat), urging citizens to take pride in products made on home soil.

Role of Influencers and the Creative Community

In a notable addition to his appeal, Modi called upon social media influencers, celebrities, and members of the creative industry to personally adopt the 'Vocal for Local' spirit and inspire their audiences to do the same. 'Our friends from the creative world, influencers, and celebrities also have a significant role to play in that,' he said, signalling an intent to amplify the campaign through digital and cultural channels ahead of the high-spending festive period.

Call for Community Stories

Modi also used the episode to invite listeners to share accounts of individuals in their communities who are driving meaningful social change through small, everyday efforts. 'There must be many people around you who are bringing about significant change in society through their small yet impactful efforts. Do write about them for 'Mann Ki Baat'. The experiences you share could become a source of new inspiration for someone, somewhere in the country,' he said.

With the festive shopping season set to accelerate through September and October, the push to redirect consumer spending toward Indian-made goods is likely to be a recurring theme in official messaging in the weeks ahead.