NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged people to prioritise products made by local artisans while shopping for festivals, saying their purchases would strengthen the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign and help realise the vision of a self-reliant India.Addressing the 139th edition of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said the campaign was helping Indian products reach international markets, citing the export of makhana from Bihar to Greece and arhar dal from Karnataka to the Maldives.The prime minister noted that people typically purchase gifts and other items for their families and loved ones during festivals, and called on them to support local artisans through their shopping choices.“This time too, while shopping, please give priority to products made by local artisans. Your purchases will boost their enthusiasm,” he said.PM Modi said greater participation in the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign would accelerate the progress towards a self-reliant India.“Therefore, I personally urge you to give priority and prominence to products crafted by local artisans,” he added.
PM Modi stresses packaging, highlights traditional skills
The prime minister also emphasised the importance of packaging in attracting consumers and helping products find a place in the market.
“Often, when we see something in the market, good packaging makes us pick it up, and we want to learn more about the product. Understanding this, greater emphasis is now being laid on packaging,” he said.During the broadcast, PM Modi also highlighted efforts to revive traditional skills and farming practices, including an initiative to promote natural cotton cultivation in Punjab’s Malwa region.He said the organisation Kheti Virasat Mission had been working to revive organic farming and had launched an initiative called ‘Nav-Trinjan’ to encourage natural cotton farming.The initiative also started a weaving school a few years ago to pass the traditional skill on to younger generations.“You can imagine how great a help this is for the environment. Friends, a few years ago, 'Nav-Trinjan' also started a weaving school with the goal of passing on the skill of weaving to the new generation,” PM Modi said.
Heval river rejuvenation, e-Sanjeevani consultations highlighted
PM Modi also spoke about efforts by residents and the local administration in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Garhwal district to revive the Heval river.He said the river’s water level had begun to fall some time ago, while natural water sources in the surrounding areas were drying up. In response, villagers and the administration launched conservation efforts that included rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and large-scale tree planting.“Today, these efforts have given the Heval river a new lease of life while also helping rejuvenate dozens of natural water sources,” the prime minister said.He also highlighted the use of technology in healthcare through the e-Sanjeevani telemedicine service, which enables people to access medical consultations remotely.“It brings me immense satisfaction to share that nearly 50 crore tele-consultations have been conducted through it so far. This is a massive figure and a prime example of the power of technology, the service-mindedness of our doctors, and the trust of our citizens,” he said.PM Modi added that the service’s extensive network enabled it to reach even the most remote parts of the country, with beneficiaries’ experiences offering examples of its reach.
PM calls 12-year journey of Mann Ki Baat a ‘pilgrimage’
The Sunday broadcast also marked 12 years of Mann Ki Baat. PM Modi described the programme’s journey as a “pilgrimage”, saying it had allowed him to learn about citizens’ efforts and acknowledge their contributions.“Since then, our journey has been continuing without interruption. You are both fellow travellers and guides on this journey,” he said, recalling that the programme began on Vijayadashami 12 years ago.The prime minister said the broadcast had given him an opportunity to highlight the hard work, courage, dedication and spirit of service shown by ordinary people across the country.
“For me, Mann Ki Baat is no less than a pilgrimage to closely learn about the efforts of the people of the country and to bow down to their contributions,” he said.PM Modi added that the programme had brought attention to people whose work might otherwise go unnoticed and had allowed him to connect with families across India.He said he received hundreds of messages from listeners who told him that listening to Mann Ki Baat made them feel as though he were sitting among them and speaking as a member of their family. He described the affection expressed by listeners as an “invaluable asset”.