Navratri Begins With a Collective Call for Unity and 'Made in India' Products
PM Modi urges swadeshi push during Navratri festivities.
As India ushered in the vibrant festival of Navratri on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President C P Radhakrishnan extended heartfelt greetings, infusing the nine-day celebration with messages of national pride, unity, and economic self-reliance. Modi, in particular, seized the occasion to rally citizens around the "swadeshi" movement, urging them to embrace indigenous products to fuel India’s journey toward becoming a developed, self-reliant nation.
In a spirited address to the nation on Sunday, Modi described Navratri 2025 as a unique opportunity to blend devotion with economic empowerment. He announced that reduced GST rates on numerous goods would take effect from Monday, likening the policy to a "GST-saving festival" that would ease financial burdens and boost local commerce. “Let’s make every home a symbol of swadeshi,” Modi declared. “Decorate every shop with indigenous goods, just as swadeshi powered our freedom movement.” His call to action aims to harness the festival’s energy to strengthen India’s economy, echoing the self-reliance ethos of the independence era.
Vice President Radhakrishnan echoed the festive spirit, sharing warm wishes on X. “May Maa Durga guide us towards strength, wisdom, and harmony, and fill every home with joy and well-being,” he wrote, emphasizing the festival’s role in fostering unity and spiritual renewal. His message resonated with millions as temples across the country lit up and communities gathered for prayers, fasting, and traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya.
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Navratri, a cherished Hindu festival, celebrates the triumph of Goddess Durga over evil, with each of its nine days dedicated to a different form of the deity. From Gujarat’s vibrant dance festivals to West Bengal’s elaborate Durga Puja preparations, the nation is immersed in devotion and cultural pride. This year, Modi’s swadeshi push adds a modern twist, encouraging citizens to support local artisans and businesses. “Buying swadeshi isn’t just shopping; it’s an act of patriotism,” said Priya Sharma, a Delhi-based entrepreneur who joined a local Navratri event. “The PM’s vision inspires us to build a stronger India.”
The GST reductions, covering a wide range of daily essentials and locally produced goods, are expected to lower prices and stimulate demand for Indian-made products. Economists predict this could provide a significant boost to small businesses and manufacturers, aligning with Modi’s broader “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) campaign. In cities like Mumbai and Ahmedabad, markets are bustling with shoppers snapping up traditional attire and festive decorations, many proudly labeled “Made in India.”
As Navratri unfolds, the messages from Modi and Radhakrishnan strike a chord with a nation eager to blend tradition with progress. From rural prayer gatherings to urban dance celebrations, the festival is uniting communities under the twin banners of devotion and economic empowerment. With Dussehra on the horizon, marking the victory of good over evil, India looks forward to a Navratri that not only honors its spiritual heritage but also fuels its aspirations for a prosperous, self-reliant future.
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