Is Gujarat's Vapi, a Hub of Small-Scale Industries, Receiving a ‘Swadeshi’ Boost?

Ahmedabad, Sep 3 (NationPress) Vapi, a prominent industrial town in Gujarat, is embracing the swadeshi movement, with residents actively seeking out Made in India products and flocking to purchase them.

This shift follows the unilateral tariff actions by the Trump administration, serving as a compelling example of the growing sentiment of ‘atmanirbharata’, as envisioned by the Prime Minister.

Vapi hosts numerous small and micro industries. Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s renewed emphasis on ‘vocal for local’ and encouraging traders to engage with Made in India products, the local market is experiencing a surge in the supply and purchase of swadeshi goods.

The small and micro industries here produce a diverse array of household products for daily use, which are gaining significant traction locally, leading to a rise in employment.

Manufacturers of school and luggage bags are notably benefiting from the government’s ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative. For instance, Mahaveer Sales Agency in Vapi, which specializes in bag manufacturing, has seen remarkable growth.

Previously, foreign and international brands dominated the bag market, leaving local units struggling for visibility. However, the Vocal for Local campaign has injected new life into these domestic businesses.

Now, consumers are increasingly opting for local products over foreign brands. This has resulted in enhanced production capabilities, increased business activity, and, importantly, a boost in employment opportunities.

Business owners and locals alike are expressing their appreciation for this governmental initiative, with gratitude directed towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Mayur Jain, the manufacturer of Mahavir Bags, remarked, "We have been in the business of producing and selling school and laptop bags since 1988. Remarkably, since the launch of the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign in 2019, our growth has surpassed what we achieved in the previous 30 years in just seven years."

Nimesh Savla, a supplier at Savla Laminates, shared, "We manufacture fabric for the packaging industry and for school and luggage bags. Government initiatives such as 'Vocal for Local', 'Make in India', and the 'Swadeshi Abhiyan' have been incredibly beneficial, and we are excelling."

Worker Nuriddin Ansari noted, "Having lived in Vapi for a decade, I secured a job through the 'Vocal for Local' initiative, earning around ₹25,000 per month."

A customer commented, "We stand in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 'Vocal for Local' campaign, which is why we choose to back local brands."

Previously, much of the raw material for the bag industry was sourced from China, but now, thanks to the Swadeshi campaign, these manufacturers are increasingly relying on local materials. Everyone involved—from suppliers and producers to employees and consumers—are experiencing the benefits.