Promote 'Vocal for Local' by encouraging indigenous craftsmanship: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has termed the National Handloom Day as a symbol of the country's commitment to protecting its cultural heritage, and has appealed to the citizens to promote handicrafts and the spirit of 'Vocal for Local' by promoting indigenous products.
Mr. Modi, in his monthly radio program 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, said that on August 7, the country is celebrating the National Handloom Day. On this day, we celebrate the skill and creative potential of weavers as they carry forward the traditions that have been passed down through generations. He said, "Every garment made from handloom tells the story of a particular region, community, and the countless people associated with it. These are the people who are proudly carrying forward India's cultural heritage. My request to you all on this day is to respect our weaver friends by promoting handicrafts. Let us strengthen the spirit of 'Vocal for Local'."
He mentioned the efforts to promote handlooms in the country, saying that it has improved the lives of a large number of people. From Pochampalli to Patna, and from Kathmandu to Kanchi, there are many examples of this. He said, "Today, there are many people and groups who are giving new energy and recognition to our glorious tradition of handlooms. Some are taking forward the beautiful tradition of Pochampalli Ikat, while some women weavers are making woolen products. Some people are preserving the traditional 'Kasavu' art of Kerala. This is also providing employment to our mothers and sisters."
Regarding the popularity of Khadi, Mr. Modi said that in the last few years, 'Khadi' has become very popular. Its sales have increased six times in the last 12 years and have reached close to Rs 8,000 crore. He said, "My appeal to all of you is to buy at least one Khadi, one handloom, or one handicraft product during the upcoming festivals."
He also mentioned the efforts being made to promote Kashmir's traditional and unique carpet 'Waggu'. He said that one of its major features is that it provides coolness in summers and warmth in winters. He said that Ghulam Hussain and his daughter Tanzila from Srinagar are working to give a new life to the tradition of 'Waggu'. Now many people are joining their efforts and it is becoming very popular, and 'Waggu' is also reaching other parts of the country.
Mr. Modi also mentioned the 'Vedor Prerna Sudhi Herbal Tea' made by women associated with a self-help group in Lakhewal village of Bijnor district in Uttar Pradesh. He said that it contains natural ingredients like lemongrass, gluo, malathi, tulsi, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, and fennel, and due to its unique taste and properties, this tea has gained a special recognition among people in a very short time. He said that this brand has now reached major institutions across the country.
The Prime Minister also mentioned the traditional instrument 'Chong Preng' popular among the tribal community in Tripura and said that due to the efforts of Suraj Kumar Deo Verma, it is becoming popular among the youth there. These young people are now performing with Chong Preng as well as other traditional instruments.
He said that under this campaign, rainwater harvesting, recharging of groundwater, restoration of old ponds, and afforestation are being given a new momentum. He expressed happiness over the increasing participation of people in the campaign and said that at some places, soil is being removed from old ponds, while at other places, wells and stepwells are being restored. Borewells that are no longer in use are being used for recharging groundwater. He appreciated the efforts to revive ponds in Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh, Nashik in Maharashtra, Nandyal in Andhra Pradesh, Korba in Chhattisgarh, Bhubaneswar in Odisha, and Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh. He said, "Let us also take responsibility for one pond, well, or stepwell near us - save every drop of water. Every drop of water saved today is the biggest capital for the future of the coming generations."
The Prime Minister also mentioned the efforts being made in Sitamarhi, Bihar, towards environmental protection. He said that to deal with the waste of single-use plastic, local people, with the help of the administration, have started making attractive benches by recycling waste. About 40 kilograms of plastic is used to make one bench. It is strong, durable, and comfortable, and also saves the environment from damage. It is being installed in government schools, parks, and public places. Mr. Modi said that this is also increasing awareness about environmental protection among people. The local unit, as well as the district administration, has an important role in this effort, which is also generating employment opportunities at the local level.
Mentioning the success of the 'Ek Paudha Maa Ke Naam' campaign, he appealed to the people to join it. He said that in the Bhadraj area of Ahmedabad, more than three and a half lakh plants were planted within an hour. This effort by more than 25,000 school children, NCC cadets, volunteers, and common citizens has been recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records. In the coming years, these plants will take the shape of a dense urban forest. The Prime Minister said that under this campaign, more than 35 crore plants were planted in a single day on July 12 in Uttar Pradesh. He said that as a Member of Parliament from the state, it is a matter of pride for him. Trees are not just for humans, they are also homes for countless living beings.
Mr. Modi also mentioned the return of the Indian Grey Hornbill to the forests of Gir in Gujarat after about 60 years and said that it is the result of years of conservation and restoration efforts in Gir. The Hornbill is called the farmer of the forest. They eat fruits and disperse seeds, from which new trees grow in the forest. Thus, they help in making the forest green again.