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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been urging citizens to embrace Swadeshi and self-reliance over the past few months. Since his government assumed office in 2014, he has consistently advocated for reducing India’s dependence on foreign goods and promoting self-reliance through initiatives such as Make in India and Make for the World. Continuing this vision, he launched the Vocal for Local campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the foresight that global economic instability could impact India, he reaffirmed his commitment to the ideals of Swadeshi and self-reliance. In his Mann Ki Baat address on August 15 and through various public programs across the country, Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly emphasized the importance of Swadeshi in multiple contexts.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s call is not merely emotional; it is driven by the vision of economically empowering the socially and economically weaker sections of society
The past two to three months mark a period of celebration across the country. Festivals such as Ganesh Utsav, Vijayadashami, Diwali, Chhath Puja, and various other religious festivities — along with the New Year celebrations in some states and Eid observed by the Muslim community — fill society with enthusiasm and joy.
Lighting homes, exchanging greetings, distributing sweets, wearing new clothes, and giving gifts are natural expressions of social harmony and festivity.
During this period, October 2 — the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi — is also observed as Khadi Day. To ensure that this festive spirit becomes a foundation for Swadeshi and self-reliance, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi urged citizens to “buy only Swadeshi goods, decorate homes with Swadeshi products, and enrich their lives with Swadeshi creations.”
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s call is not merely emotional; it is driven by the vision of economically empowering the socially and economically weaker sections of society. In ancient India, society functioned as a self-reliant unit, where each class had its traditionally defined role. Mahatma Gandhi also referred to this concept in his book Hind Swaraj.
A closer look at the essential items used during festivals reminds us that most of these are produced by the largest sections of society — the economically backward and Dalit communities. This segment constitutes more than half of the backward classes. Items such as lamps, khadi and handloom products, candles, firecrackers, flower garlands, toys, puja materials, footwear, ornaments, jewelry, and sweets are traditionally made by potters (Prajapati), leather workers, women engaged in cottage and small-scale industries, artisans, and tribal communities who use forest produce to create local goods.
While jewelry is often sold in large establishments, the local artisans and Bengal’s craftsmen known for their intricate workmanship are spread across the country.
Street vendors and small traders who sell such products on carts also depend on this income to celebrate their own festivals. However, as these goods gradually began to be imported, the livelihoods of the poor suffered. Foreign products replaced local toys, decorations, firecrackers, and festive items — turning the Diwali of the poor into a symbol of economic deprivation.
According to a survey conducted by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) during Diwali 2025, business activity generated an estimated Rs.5.40 lakh crore, up from Rs. 4.25 lakh crore in 2024 — marking a 25% increase over the previous year.
Excluding the cooperative and agricultural sectors, this growth represents the contribution of nearly 9 crore small business units. The service sector alone generated business worth Rs. 65,000 crore.
The survey further revealed that 72% of traders attributed this surge in trade to the recent reduction in GST rates, while 87% of buyers expressed their appreciation for
Prime Minister Modi by consciously purchasing indigenous goods. Additionally, an estimated 50 lakh people secured short-term employment during the festive season. Small towns and rural areas together accounted for 28% of total sales.
Various initiatives such as the Potter Empowerment Programme, and incentives to the textile, metalwork, woodwork, and bamboo industries under the MSME framework, have also played a crucial role in this economic uplift. According to the latest market analytics report, consumer spending during India’s festive season is projected to reach between Rs.12 lakh crore and Rs.14 lakh crore.
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya placed Antyodaya — the welfare of the poorest — at the heart of his philosophy. Echoing this ideal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for Swadeshi has made this Diwali a celebration of not only joy but also empowerment and employment for the backward, Dalit, and women sections of society
In line with the Prime Minister’s call of “Khadi for Nation, Khadi for Fashion,” Khadi sales have risen by 447% since 2014, growing from Rs. 3,154 crore in 2014 to an estimated Rs.1.71 lakh crore in 2025. This remarkable expansion has created over 10 lakh new jobs in the Khadi sector alone.
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya placed Antyodaya — the welfare of the poorest — at the heart of his philosophy. Echoing this ideal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for Swadeshi has made this Diwali a celebration of not only joy but also empowerment and employment for the backward, Dalit, and women sections of society. The proceeds from festive trade have enhanced market purchasing power, thereby strengthening the national economy.
This renewed economic activity will help India withstand global economic challenges. To sustain this momentum, Swadeshi and self-reliance must become enduring principles in our daily lives — not merely seasonal or occasional practices.
{The writer is National Joint General Secretary (Organization), BJP}