Kumar Bahukhandi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seen in this file image, urges citizens to support local artisans ahead of Deepavali during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Photo: @NarendraModi/YouTube
Prime Minister highlights Indian products reaching global markets, Punjab’s natural cotton initiative and a community campaign to revive Uttarakhand’s Heval river.
Key Highlights
- PM Modi urges citizens to strengthen ‘Vocal for Local’ through festive purchases from local artisans.
- Bihar’s makhana, Karnataka’s arhar dal and Maharashtra’s tribal products earn recognition in international markets.
- Growing demand for Khadi supports artisans and traditional skills.
- Punjab’s ‘Nav-Trinjan’ initiative promotes organic cotton farming and naturally coloured cotton.
- Community efforts help revive the Heval river and surrounding natural water sources in Uttarakhand.
- Modi describes ‘Mann Ki Baat’ as a “pilgrimage” to recognise people’s contributions.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls on citizens to make their Deepavali purchases an expression of support for local artisans, urging them to strengthen the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative by choosing locally made products. Addressing his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Sunday, October 25, 2026, he highlights the growing international recognition of Indian products, the revival of traditional farming practices in Punjab and a community campaign to restore Uttarakhand’s Heval river.
With the festive season approaching, the Prime Minister encourages people to recognise the skills and livelihoods behind locally produced goods. His appeal places artisans and traditional craftsmanship at the centre of festive shopping.
Festive Purchases Can Support Traditional Skills
Modi highlights the increasing popularity of Khadi and its contribution to sustaining artisans whose work preserves traditional knowledge.
“The popularity of Khadi is growing, supporting the artisans whose skills keep our traditions alive. Let’s strengthen ‘Vocal for Local’ by choosing products made by our local artisans,” he says.
The appeal encourages citizens to consider the people behind the products they purchase, linking festive spending with support for local craftsmanship and livelihoods.
Indian Products Find New Markets Abroad
The Prime Minister also draws attention to regional Indian products gaining a wider international presence.
Bihar’s makhana and Karnataka’s arhar dal are finding new markets across the world, he says, while tribal products from Maharashtra are receiving recognition through packaging that reflects the richness of tribal art.
The examples bring together agricultural produce, traditional enterprise and cultural expression, highlighting how regional identities can accompany Indian products into international markets.
Punjab Initiative Revives Natural Cotton Farming
Turning to agriculture, Modi speaks about the work of Kheti Virasat Mission in reviving traditional and organic farming practices in Punjab.
He says the organisation’s team wanted to promote natural cotton cultivation in the Malwa region and named its initiative ‘Nav-Trinjan’.
“Under this initiative, organic cotton is grown without the use of chemicals. Cotton with natural colours is also grown here, so no separate chemicals are needed to dye the yarn and fabrics made from it,” he says.
The initiative connects cotton cultivation with yarn and fabric production while drawing attention to naturally occurring colours in cotton.
Modi’s account highlights an effort to preserve agricultural knowledge and explore production methods that reduce the need for chemical inputs.
Villagers and Administration Join Hands to Revive Heval River
The Prime Minister also shares the example of a river restoration campaign in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Garhwal district.
A few years ago, he says, water levels in the Heval river had begun to decline, while natural water sources in the surrounding area were drying up.
In response, villagers and the local administration joined hands to launch a conservation campaign. Their work included capturing rainwater, improving the movement of water into the soil and planting trees.
“During this effort, measures were taken to capture rainwater, work was done to channel water into the soil, and a large number of plants were planted. Today, thanks to this initiative, the Heval river has received a new lease of life, and it has also helped revive dozens of natural water sources,” Modi says.
The account underlines the role of community participation in restoring water resources, with residents and officials working together to address a shared environmental concern.
‘Mann Ki Baat’ Recognises Everyday Contributions
Reflecting on the programme, Modi describes ‘Mann Ki Baat’ as a “pilgrimage” through which he comes to know the efforts of people across the country and pays homage to their contributions.
The broadcast brings attention to artisans, farmers and communities whose work sustains traditional skills, supports local production and protects natural resources.
His Deepavali message encourages citizens to participate through their own purchasing decisions, giving locally made products and the people who create them a place in the celebrations.
