Questioning the recent trend of big families organising weddings abroad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged his countrymen to hold such celebrations in India.
The discourse was part of the Indian PM’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ vision. Through ‘Mann Ki Baat’, he communicates with people on significant issues.
“I know some people want it (festivities abroad). But, let’s take ‘Vocal for Local’ seriously on this level too. There might be facilities there now, but soon India will grow to that level,” he said on November 26, which marks the commemoration of the Mumbai terror attack.
Vocal for local, in essence, means that products can be made competitive vis-à-vis global brands.
While supporting the growth of the ‘Vocal for Local’ mission, PM Modi said that if people celebrate marriage festivities on their own soil, the country’s money will remain within its borders.
“Last month in ‘Mann Ki Baat’ I had laid emphasis on ‘Vocal for Local’ which is buying local products. Within the last few days, business worth more than Rs 4 lakh crore has been done in the country on Diwali, Bhaiya Dooj and Chhath,” he was quoted as saying.
“This also paves the way for value addition in local products, and if ever, there are ups and downs in the global economy, the mantra of Vocal For Local also protects our economy,” he added.
On the 10th edition of Maan Ki Baat, he urged the nation to use digital payment and Unified Payment Interface (UPI) applications for making transactions to take a step forward towards ‘Digital India’.
Additionally, he spoke about ‘Project Surat’, aimed at promoting cleanliness and sustainable growth in Surat. “Swacchta is not a one-day campaign, instead a part of life,” he mentioned.
The prime minister has also observed that November 26 is significant for another reason: the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution of India on this day in 1949.
“I remember when we were celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar in 2015, the idea came that November 26 be celebrated as Constitution Day. I extend wishes to all on Constitution Day,” he said.
