Swadeshi as Foundation of a Developed India
Mr. Modi emphasized that India must aim to become a developed nation by 2047. He urged both consumers and traders to prioritize indigenous products. “Whatever our businesspersons sell must be made in our country. We must make Swadeshi the foundation of a developed India,” he stated.
The Prime Minister also urged state governments to promote Swadeshi visibly. He suggested that shops should display clear signage highlighting Indian-made products to make it easier for buyers to choose local goods.
PM on Operation Sindoor and National Security
Shifting focus to national security, Mr. Modi referred to Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He asserted that India’s Armed Forces “brought Pakistan to its knees in the blink of an eye.”
Alluding to a viral video of Jaish-e-Mohammad commander Ilyas Kashmiri, who lamented the losses suffered by the terror outfit, Modi said, “Terrorists had destroyed the sindoor on our sisters. We have destroyed terrorist hideouts through Operation Sindoor. This is new India; it is not scared of anyone’s nuclear threats. It enters the enemy’s house and strikes.”
Launch of Women’s Health Initiative
On his 75th birthday, the Prime Minister also launched the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA), a Union Government initiative focusing on women’s health. The campaign will run until October 2, providing free medical screenings and medicines to detect diseases early.
“It is crucial to detect diseases like cancer early. The women of our country continue to bless me, and these programs are for them,” Modi said, encouraging women to take advantage of the services.
PM MITRA Park: Transforming Textile Sector
The Dhar textile park is one of seven mega projects approved by the Ministry of Textiles under the PM MITRA scheme. Other parks will come up in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The initiative is based on the ‘5F’ vision: Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that proposals worth more than ₹23,000 crore have already been received from 114 textile companies for investment in the Dhar park. Officials said the park will not only boost exports but also generate significant employment opportunities in the region.
GST Rate Change Ahead of Navratri
Mr. Modi reminded traders and citizens that the new GST rates will take effect from September 22, the first day of Navratri. He called the date symbolic, urging that the festival season should mark the start of a “Swadeshi revolution.”
