Lucknow, – Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that from October 10 to 18, week-long Swadeshi (indigenous) product fairs will be organized in every district of Uttar Pradesh, with a special focus on showcasing One District, One Product (ODOP) items along with other local goods.
Addressing a state-level workshop on Atmanirbhar Bharat: Swadeshi Sankalp (Self-Reliant India: Commitment to Swadeshi) at Vishwesharaya Hall in Lucknow on Tuesday, he emphasized that such initiatives bring immense benefits to local entrepreneurs and traders while also discouraging the purchase of foreign-made products.
Yogi Adityanath recalled that before 2017, the markets during Diwali were flooded with Chinese decorative lights, but the situation has changed drastically in recent years.
“Now people are lighting traditional earthen lamps made in the villages of Uttar Pradesh. In 2017, during the first Deepotsav celebration, we faced difficulty in procuring 51,000 earthen lamps within Ayodhya itself and had to bring them from other districts.
However, last year, all the lamps used during the record celebrations were made entirely in Ayodhya. This year too, we will break all records by lighting millions of diyas made of clay and cow dung,” the Chief Minister said.
India’s Glorious Manufacturing Heritage
Shedding light on India’s historical legacy, the CM said, “About 300 years ago, half of India’s population was engaged in agriculture while the remaining depended on cottage industries, handicrafts, and small-scale industries.
The goods produced here dominated the global markets. Merchants from across the world used to come to India for trade. Our country had everything — resources, craftsmanship, and thriving industries.”
Swadeshi as a Shield for National Security
The Chief Minister strongly linked the Swadeshi movement to national prosperity and security. He stated, “When money is invested within India, it contributes to the nation’s wealth and uplifts artisans, craftsmen, and youth. But if we keep buying foreign products, profits will leave our borders and empower outsiders.
This foreign capital often ends up fueling terrorism, Naxalism, and extremism inside India. Therefore, the money of Indians must remain in the hands of our own workers and entrepreneurs.”
Modi’s Vision of Modern Swadeshi
Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s contribution, Yogi Adityanath explained how the concept of Swadeshi has been given a modern, global dimension. “PM Modi has transformed the idea of Swadeshi into something vast and visionary.
Anything manufactured in India, involving the sweat and talent of our workers and youth, is truly Swadeshi. Whether it is Make in India or Make for the World, products created in India by Indian hands are our pride. This is how we can strengthen our economy while contributing to the global marketplace.”
The Chief Minister’s speech underscored his government’s resolve to ensure that this Diwali, like the past few years, will be celebrated with Indian-made products, especially those crafted by local artisans.
By encouraging indigenous goods, Uttar Pradesh aims not only to preserve its cultural traditions but also to empower small-scale industries and promote self-reliance.
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