In a recent initiative aimed at promoting ‘swadeshi’ (Indian) products, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a 25% discount on khadi items for 108 days. The announcement was made during a gathering at Gandhi Ashram in Lucknow on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, where the CM also paid tribute to the freedom fighter and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Promoting Swadeshi and Self-Reliance
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of supporting local products, encouraging people to present swadeshi items as gifts during upcoming festivals. He expressed that this initiative would not only promote indigenous goods but also help create more employment opportunities, contributing to a self-reliant India.
“By promoting swadeshi products, we align with Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of a self-reliant India, and it will also help realize the goals of Gram Swaraj,” said Adityanath. He called on people to prioritize local goods over foreign products during festivals, promoting sustainable and local entrepreneurship.
Paying Tribute to Gandhi and Shastri
While paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi, Adityanath reflected on Gandhi’s pivotal role in India’s independence movement, stating that Gandhi’s leadership ended the era when the British Empire was seen as invincible. He also honored Lal Bahadur Shastri for his significant contributions, especially during the food security drive, and highlighted his leadership during the 1965 India-Pakistan war.
Boosting the Swadeshi Movement
The CM further highlighted that the promotion of swadeshi products aligns with the Prime Minister’s ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative. “Countries like the US, France, and Japan achieved global power by fostering local entrepreneurship. PM Modi’s efforts are boosting the Swadeshi movement and elevating India’s self-reliance,” Adityanath added.
A Commitment to Cleanliness and Empowerment
Adityanath also referenced the Swachh Bharat Mission, a cleanliness initiative launched by PM Modi a decade ago, which aims to promote hygiene and women’s empowerment. He noted that over 12 crore households in India had been equipped with toilets, enhancing women’s dignity and societal self-reliance.
The Chief Minister concluded by asserting that the principles of cleanliness, empowerment, and self-reliance advocated by Gandhi continue to be relevant today.
Paying Tributes to Shastri’s Legacy
The CM also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary, recognizing his dedication to India’s freedom movement and his role in securing food security for the nation during his tenure. “Under Shastri Ji’s leadership, India stood firm during the 1965 war, demonstrating its strength on the global stage,” Adityanath said.
This initiative, focused on promoting indigenous goods and fostering self-reliance, marks another step in Uttar Pradesh’s efforts to honor the legacy of the nation’s freedom fighters and build a more self-sufficient economy.
