Gandhinagar, Sept 26 – Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and BJP state president C.R. Patil have officially announced that Gujarat will run a massive campaign in support of the central government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). The campaign will continue till December 25 and will focus on promoting swadeshi (indigenous) products, strengthening local industries, and encouraging citizens to actively participate in building a self-reliant economy.
According to the announcement, the state will organize over 1,000 fairs, 20,000 Sankalp programs, and more than 500 Atmanirbhar Raths (chariots) and padyatras in the next 90 days. The aim is to spread awareness about the benefits of using locally made goods and reduce dependence on imported products. People will also be encouraged to take a pledge to buy swadeshi items, while traders selling indigenous products will be awarded certificates of recognition.
PM Modi’s Call for Atmanirbhar Bharat
The campaign comes in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s consistent call for Atmanirbhar Bharat, urging citizens to adopt swadeshi products and support local industries. Addressing the press, CM Bhupendra Patel said that the people of India have always stood firmly with the Prime Minister’s vision and have turned his every appeal into a mass movement.
He highlighted that under Modi’s leadership, India has made remarkable progress in sectors ranging from infrastructure to digital transformation. The concept of Make in India and Digital India has successfully transformed India into a competitive global exporter, reducing dependence on imports. Gujarat, he added, contributes nearly 17% to India’s overall exports, making it a key driver of the national economy.
Strengthening India’s Economy
CM Patel emphasized that strengthening the country’s economy is the responsibility of every citizen. He explained that the adoption of local products is not just about economic growth but also about building national pride. With India advancing towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat are expected to play a pivotal role in sustaining growth.
He further noted that the government’s efforts through schemes like Startup India and Mudra Yojana have empowered the youth to become job creators instead of job seekers. This aligns with the vision of making India a hub of innovation, entrepreneurship, and manufacturing.
Impact of Vocal for Local
The Vocal for Local initiative has already shown transformative results. For instance, the sale of Khadi products, once considered a niche market, has surged from ₹31,000 crore to an impressive ₹1.70 lakh crore in recent years. This growth has not only boosted local industries but has also created employment opportunities across rural and urban areas.
C.R. Patil also addressed the gathering and stated that Prime Minister Modi’s call for self-reliance has ignited a new wave of patriotism among Indians. He mentioned that the campaign in Gujarat is being launched on the occasion of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s birth anniversary, which adds even more significance to the movement.
Nationwide Vision, Local Implementation
The Gujarat campaign for Atmanirbhar Bharat is not just limited to spreading awareness but also focuses on real implementation at the ground level. Through fairs, padyatras, and awareness programs, the state aims to directly engage with millions of citizens. The distribution of certificates to sellers of swadeshi goods will further encourage businesses to embrace local manufacturing and reduce foreign imports.
By combining economic initiatives with mass participation, Gujarat seeks to set an example for other states. The message is clear: India’s progress lies in supporting its own products, industries, and workforce.
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Conclusion
The Gujarat government’s decision to run this large-scale campaign till December 25 reflects the seriousness of India’s commitment towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. With active participation from citizens, businesses, and political leadership, the movement is expected to create long-term benefits for the economy.
The pledge to buy swadeshi products, support startups, and promote local manufacturing is more than just a campaign – it is a step towards building a stronger, self-reliant, and globally respected India.
