Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged teachers and students to initiate the use of swadeshi products, reinforcing the vision of "Make in India" and "vocal for local" campaign.
In his dialogue with the National Teachers' Award winners, Modi had recommended that schools declare special days as 'Swadeshi Day' or even 'Swadeshi Week,' where students bring home-made products from home and explain the backstories behind them.
"I am giving you a homework to lead campaigns to promote swadeshi products. Students should be encouraged to get swadeshi products from home, and there should be discussions on that. Students can also participate in marches in villages carrying placards rooting for swadeshi products. Such activities will create an atmosphere and encourage the citizens to use Made in India and be vocal for local products," Modi said.
He suggested the use of native materials in art and craft classes, as also in school events, to cultivate long-term appreciation and pride in Indian products. He also emphasized that classroom discussions about swadeshi products must relate to their origins, producers, and national importance to make students more aware.
"There should be interaction between students and local artisans, highlighting the value of indigenous crafts and manufacturing passed down through generations. Made in India gifts can be encouraged for occasions like birthdays to instil pride in local products. Such efforts will nurture patriotism, self-confidence, and respect for labour among youth, linking their personal success to national progress," he said.
Reaffirming his government's devotion to self-reliance, Modi laid out the possibility of putting up 'har ghar swadeshi' boards on houses and shops. "Series of reforms to make India self-reliant will not stop. There should be boards outside every house and shops of 'har ghar swadeshi'," he said.
Pointing to Mahatma Gandhi’s push for swadeshi as part of India’s freedom struggle, Modi said it is now the responsibility of today’s generation to complete that unfinished mission. "Every student should ask themselves, 'What can I do to fulfil any of the needs of my country?' It is very important to connect oneself with the needs of the nation. It is this country that takes us forward in life, that gives us so much, and that is why every student must always carry this thought in their heart: What can I give to my country, and which of the nation's needs can I help fulfil?" he said.
The Prime Minister asked teachers all over India to reinforce the concept of self-reliance in the minds of children at all times, explaining it in easy terms and regional languages. He warned that any nation too dependent on others will never be able to achieve its real potential.
"Even today, we have to import edible oil worth Rs 1 lakh crore. We are an agrarian economy … If this 1 lakh crore had remained inside the country, how many school buildings would have been built, and lives would have been made, and that is why self-reliant India needs to be made a life mantra, and we need to encourage the new generations," he said.
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