PM Narendra Modi urged Indians to promote the Vocal for Local campaign and buy indigenous products

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked Indians to support the "Vocal for Local" campaign and purchase indigenous goods ahead of Deepavali celebrations to realise the goal of Aatmnirbhar Bharat, or self-sufficient India. Mr. Modi declared during his monthly Mann Ki Baat talk that the current Khadi Mahotsav has surpassed all its past sales records. Sales in this edition were on the verge of surpassing ₹1.25 lakh crore, he claimed when in prior years they had only crossed ₹30,000 crore.

The Prime Minister requested his audience to purchase goods manufactured by regional craftsmen when on vacation or a pilgrimage, saying, "Benefiting from these sales are our weavers, handicraft artisans, our farmers, and cottage industries engaged in growing Ayurvedic plants." He urged people to solely use locally produced lighting in their homes, emphasising that the "Vocal for Local" movement should extend beyond festival purchasing to include all basic needs.

The PM honoured Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose birthday is October 31. After two and a half years, the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav programme, a celebration to honour 75 years of Independence, is scheduled to end on the same day this year. Through Amrit Kalash Yatras, soil gathered from villages all over the nation would be transported to Delhi in pots to be used in the creation of an Amrit Vatika garden.

Mr. Modi cited the Knit India initiative of renowned Tamil writer Sivasankari, emphasising that literature was one of the finest mediums to deepen the sense of the spirit “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” which implies that a united India is the best. She has translated works of literature produced in eighteen Indian languages throughout the last sixteen years. According to him, A.K. Perumal of Kanyakumari has spent the last 40 years researching the temple culture and leather puppetry of Tamil Nadu in addition to continuing the state's storytelling legacy.

The PM mentioned that the nation would commemorate Janjaatiya Gaurav Diwas on November 15, the anniversary of the birth of Adivasi freedom fighter and national hero Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Ahead of the 30th anniversary of Govind Guruji's death, he also paid respect to the beloved figure among the tribal and underprivileged populations of Gujarat and Rajasthan, Govind Guruji.

The anniversary of the Mangarh massacre is dutifully observed each November. Along with Tilka Manjhi, Sidho-Kanhu, and Tantiya Bheel, among other tribal warriors who made sacrifices, he also remarked, "I salute all the children of Ma Bharati who were martyred in that massacre." Kiang Nobang, Rani Gaidinliu, Alluri Sitaram Raju, Bheema Nayak, Veer Narayan Singh, Veer Gundadhur, and more. 

He went on, "The nation's female bravehearts, Raj Mohini Devi and Rani Kamlapati, are descended from the tribe. The nation is now commemorating Rani Durgavati Ji's 500th birthday.

In light of their recent successes in the Asian Games, Para Asian Games, and Special Olympics World Summer Games, Mr. Modi praised Indian athletes. 

Inspired by the sculptures of different yoga positions made from waste that are now erected along a pilgrimage route in Gujarat, he asked the State government to organise a competition to promote this kind of art. 

In addition, the prime minister paid tribute to Sant Mirabai, whose 525th birthday is being observed this year. "She has served as an inspiration to individuals all throughout the nation for a variety of reasons. Mirabai is a wonderful example of dedication to those who are interested in music; for those who love poetry, her devotional bhajans bring a whole new kind of joy; and for those who believe in divine power, Mirabai's rapt devotion to Shri Krishna can serve as a powerful source of inspiration. Saint Ravidas was regarded by Mirabai as her guru, he stated.