Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi calls for intensifying Vocal for Local Campaign; Asks citizens to break all previous records of buying khadi, handloom or handicraft products

New Delhi, September 25

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked people to intensify Vocal for Local campaign on the occasion of Bapu’s birth anniversary on the 2nd of October and the upcoming festive season.

Addressing the nation in his Mann Ki Baat programme on All India Radio this morning, Mr. Modi emphasised that people must buy local goods along with Khadi, local handloom, and handicrafts. He requested people to break all the records this time to buy these products of Khadi, handloom, or handicrafts in the festive season.

Mr. Modi said that a festive spirit has engulfed the country. Tomorrow is the first day of Navaratri where Maa Shailputri will be worshipped. He said a profound message of attainment of Siddhi through discipline and restraint is hidden in Indian festivals. He said that after Dussehra, the festival of Dhanteras and Diwali will be celebrated.

Prime Minister stated that the resolution of Vocal For Local has been associated with these festivals. He stressed that local artisans, craftsmen, and traders are included in the celebration of festivals.

The Prime Minister expressed his disapproval that polythene bags are being used for packing and packaging during festivals. He said that the harmful litter of polythene on the festivals observing cleanliness is against the spirit of Indian festivals. He asked people to use only locally made non-plastic bags. He noted with satisfaction that the trend of jute, cotton, banana fiber and many such traditional bags is on the rise once again.

Touching upon the subject of Tuberculosis, Prime Minister Modi hailed the people coming forward to adopt TB patients and taking the lead in ensuring a nutritious diet for these patients. He said that it is a part of the TB Free India campaign, whose basis is public participation. Mr. Modi expressed confidence that with this power of public participation, India will be free from TB by 2025.