Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that Swadeshi is not just a slogan, but the foundation of an Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) and developed India. He made this statement during a press conference at the state BJP office on Sunday. He launched the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat Swadeshi Sankalp – Har Ghar Swadeshi” campaign and its logo. He said that this campaign will further strengthen the resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make India Aatmanirbhar by 2047. The Swadeshi initiative is also a matter of respect for our farmers, artisans, small traders, and entrepreneurs. The Swadeshi initiative is not merely a means of economic strength, but our love and dedication to our motherland. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation from the Red Fort on August 15, had announced the revision of GST rates, which were implemented from September 22, coinciding with Navratri. This announcement of the Prime Minister has been fulfilled, and as a result, both traders and the general public have benefited from the reduced GST rates. He personally interacted with traders and consumers in various places to understand the benefits and found widespread enthusiasm for this initiative. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and has launched several campaigns, from ‘Vocal for Local’ to ‘Make in India’.
Demonstrating the Power of Swadeshi
The Chief Minister said that today, the concept of Swadeshi is not limited to only Khadi and earthen lamps; it has expanded to include modern technologies like the Brahmos missile, Tejas aircraft, semiconductors, Digital India, and UPI. Its impact has been seen even in operations like Operation Sindoor, where terror camps in Pakistan were destroyed. CM Dhami said that the production of PPE kits and vaccines during the COVID crisis is a living example of India’s Swadeshi strength. An umbrella brand, “House of Himalayas,” has been established for marketing local products of the state. Despite limited resources, the quality is excellent. Self-employment and small industries will be promoted in rural areas. Youth will be encouraged towards Swadeshi entrepreneurship through startups and digital platforms. Under the “Every Home, Every Village – Go Local” campaign, public awareness activities will be conducted in Uttarakhand. He appealed to the people of Uttarakhand, as well as all citizens of the country, to prioritize buying locally made products during festivals like Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali, as well as for daily needs and during wedding celebrations. He emphasized that to achieve the vision of an “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-reliant India), we must embrace local products and ensure that most of the items we use are made within our country.
