In Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami shared his thoughts on swadeshi during a lively media chat at the BJP state office. This happened as part of the “Self-Reliant India — Swadeshi Pledge: Every Home Swadeshi, Every Household Swadeshi” program on September 28.
Dhami made it clear that swadeshi goes way beyond a catchy slogan. “It’s the bedrock of a self-reliant and thriving India,” he said. Drawing from India’s ancient culture, he described swadeshi as a true way of life that honors our roots.
The chief minister linked this push to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s big goal: building a self-reliant India by 2047. He added that embracing swadeshi shows real respect for farmers, artisans, small traders, and entrepreneurs who keep our economy buzzing. It’s not just about boosting the economy—it’s a heartfelt tribute to our motherland, connecting us all while strengthening local businesses.
Looking back, Dhami highlighted how the historic Swadeshi movement fueled India’s freedom fight. Icons like Lokmanya Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, and Maharshi Aurobindo proved swadeshi could build a nation. After independence, leaders such as Dattopant Thengadi and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya kept those ideas alive in economic planning.
Dhami also praised recent moves by PM Modi. On Independence Day from the Red Fort, Modi announced GST rate cuts that kicked in during Navratri on September 22. These changes have helped traders and everyday folks save money. “I’ve talked to traders and consumers across Uttarakhand, and the feedback is fantastic,” Dhami shared.
The PM’s campaigns like Vocal for Local and Make in India have put self-reliance front and center. Today, swadeshi isn’t limited to traditional items like khadi cloth or oil lamps. It shines in cutting-edge tech too—from the BrahMos missile and Tejas fighter jet to semiconductors, Digital India, and UPI payments. Dhami pointed to Operation Sindhur, where Indian-made tech targeted terrorist sites in Pakistan, as a prime example. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India stepped up big time, producing its own PPE kits and vaccines instead of relying on imports.
Closer to home in Uttarakhand, the state is rolling out smart initiatives. The House of Himalayas brand promotes local products with top-notch quality, even on a tight budget. The One District, One Product scheme boosts grassroots makers. Farmers here are key players, growing honey, mandua, jhangora, ragi, spices, and medicinal plants to support self-reliant India.
Dhami stressed the need to spark self-employment and small industries in rural spots. He encouraged young people to dive into swadeshi startups using digital tools. Under the Every Home Swadeshi drive, the state will spread awareness everywhere in Uttarakhand.
As festivals approach, Dhami urged everyone—Uttarakhand residents and Indians nationwide—to choose swadeshi goods for Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali, and weddings. “When buying daily essentials, pick local first,” he said.
Wrapping up, Dhami called on all to live out PM Modi’s mantra: Make in India, Make for the World. “To hit our vision of a self-reliant, developed India, let’s make sure most of what we use comes from right here at home. Together, we’ll get there.”
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