PM Modi praises UP SHG's herbal tea brand for fuelling women's self-reliance
Synopsis
Starting with just ₹1 lakh, women from a Self-Help Group in Bijnor's Lakhiwala village built a herbal tea brand that has reached national institutions and drawn international interest at the Maha Kumbh and Delhi's International Food Festival. PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat shoutout could be the turning point that takes it mainstream.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi praised Vidur Prerna Swadeshi Herbal Tea on the 136th episode of Mann Ki Baat on 26 July .
The tea is produced by women of a Self-Help Group in Lakhiwala village, Bijnor district, Uttar Pradesh .
The brand was launched with a seed investment of just ₹1 lakh and has since reached major institutions nationwide.
Key ingredients include lemongrass, Giloy, Mulethi, Tulsi, raw turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom , and fennel seeds .
The tea drew appreciation at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj and the International Food Festival in Delhi , including from foreign visitors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 26 July spotlighted 'Vidur Prerna Swadeshi Herbal Tea' — a brand crafted by women of a Self-Help Group (SHG) in Lakhiwala village, Bijnor district, Uttar Pradesh — calling it a shining example of female self-reliance and grassroots enterprise. Modi made the remarks during the 136th episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat', broadcast from New Delhi.
What Modi Said
Speaking on the cultural significance of tea in Indian life, Modi said, 'In our country, tea is not merely a beverage; it embodies a sense of togetherness. Whether it is the start of the day, a meeting with friends, or spending quality time with family, tea becomes an integral part of every occasion.'
He then pivoted to the Bijnor initiative: 'The tea I am bringing into discussion today has not only offered taste but has also infused the lives of many women with the fresh aroma of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance),' Modi said, underscoring the dual value of the product — as a consumer good and as an instrument of economic empowerment.
What Goes Into the Tea
The herbal blend draws entirely on natural ingredients — lemongrass, Giloy, Mulethi (liquorice), Tulsi, raw turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, and fennel seeds. The formulation reflects a deliberate effort to marry traditional knowledge of medicinal plants with a commercially viable product, positioning it within the growing domestic market for herbal and wellness beverages.
From ₹1 Lakh Investment to National Reach
The venture began with a seed investment of just ₹1 lakh, according to Modi's account. Despite that modest start, the brand has since reached major institutions across the country. Notably, the tea drew significant attention at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj and at the International Food Festival in Delhi, where it reportedly attracted interest from international visitors as well.
Modi said the journey of this brand illustrates a broader principle: 'When local knowledge, nature, and the self-confidence of women come together, even a small effort can initiate significant change.'
Broader Context: SHGs and Women's Economic Empowerment
The spotlight on Lakhiwala's SHG fits into a wider national push to scale up women-led micro-enterprises through the Self-Help Group network, which the Centre has been expanding under programmes such as Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). India currently has one of the world's largest SHG ecosystems, with millions of rural women linked to credit and livelihood support. The Bijnor case is being held up as a model of how that infrastructure can translate into market-ready brands.
What to Watch
With the Prime Minister's endorsement on a nationally broadcast programme, demand for Vidur Prerna Swadeshi Herbal Tea is likely to surge, testing the SHG's production capacity. Whether the group can scale without losing quality or community ownership will be the next milestone to track.
Point of View
But the pattern of highlighting individual success cases on the programme can obscure the structural gaps: most SHGs still struggle with working capital, logistics, and market access beyond their district. The ₹1 lakh origin story is inspiring; the harder question is whether policy support matches the prime-time spotlight, or whether this remains an anecdote rather than a replicable model.
NationPress
26 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vidur Prerna Swadeshi Herbal Tea?
It is a herbal tea brand made by women of a Self-Help Group in Lakhiwala village, Bijnor district, Uttar Pradesh. The blend uses natural ingredients including lemongrass, Giloy, Mulethi, Tulsi, raw turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, and fennel seeds.
Why did PM Modi mention this tea on Mann Ki Baat?
PM Modi highlighted the brand on the 136th episode of Mann Ki Baat on 26 July as an example of women's self-reliance and grassroots entrepreneurship. He called it a model of how local knowledge and female self-confidence can drive meaningful change.
How did the Bijnor SHG tea brand start?
The venture began with a seed investment of just ₹1 lakh, according to PM Modi's account on Mann Ki Baat. Despite the modest capital, the brand has since expanded to major institutions across India and attracted international interest.
Where has Vidur Prerna Swadeshi Herbal Tea been showcased?
The tea has been featured at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj and the International Food Festival in Delhi, where it reportedly drew appreciation from both domestic and international visitors.
What is the significance of Self-Help Groups in India's rural economy?
Self-Help Groups are a cornerstone of India's rural livelihoods framework, linking millions of women to credit and enterprise support under programmes like DAY-NRLM. The Bijnor case is being cited as an example of how SHG infrastructure can produce market-ready consumer brands.
