In the 106th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat,' India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to support locally-made products, particularly during festive occasions. His message aligns with the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, emphasizing self-reliance and empowering local artisans.
To further promote this cause, the Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Manoj Kumar, inaugurated a 'Diwali Utsav' Gramshilpa and Khadi Lounge in Connaught Place, New Delhi. This five-day event seeks to connect the people of Delhi with the Prime Minister's appeal by offering a special range of local products during the festive season. This initiative aims to ensure that more locally manufactured goods reach consumers, providing economic self-reliance to artisans in rural India.
During the inauguration of the 'Diwali Utsav,' Manoj Kumar highlighted the diversity of local products available for Khadi enthusiasts, catering to every budget. Products include clay diyas crafted by local potters in Delhi, priced from Rs 50 to Rs 1000, as well as beautiful idols of Lakshmi and Ganesh, handcrafted clay temples, items made from millets by Village Industries and PMEGP units, candles, Agarbatti, Khadi jackets tailored by skilled artisans and designers, and a range of fashionable Khadi garments.
As part of the celebrations for Diwali Utsav and the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, the Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan in Connaught Place, New Delhi, is offering special discounts. These discounts include up to 20% off on Khadi products and 10% off on Village Industries products, making it even more appealing for consumers to support locally-made goods.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Manoj Kumar proudly announced that the sales of Khadi and Village Industries products achieved a historic milestone in the previous financial year, surpassing a remarkable Rs. 1.34 lakh crore. Additionally, a record-breaking 9.54 lakh new jobs were generated in a single financial year.
Kumar also highlighted a significant achievement on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, 2023, when the flagship Khadi Bhavan in Connaught Place, New Delhi, witnessed a single-day sale of Khadi products worth Rs.1.52 Crore.
KVIC's unwavering commitment to promoting indigenous products was underscored, with Kumar urging everyone to choose indigenous Khadi products during festivals, thereby providing livelihood opportunities for millions of artisans associated with KVIC in rural areas.
