Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday made a strong appeal to citizens and local traders to boycott foreign products and take pride in promoting indigenous goods, underlining the importance of self-reliance and cultural preservation.
Speaking at a public event, PM Modi lamented the growing dependence on imported goods even for religious and cultural items. “We must encourage village traders to pledge that no matter how much profit they make, they will not sell foreign goods,” he said. “But unfortunately, even Ganesh idols come from abroad, small-eyed Ganesh idols whose eyes don't even open properly…”
The Prime Minister's remarks drew attention to how deeply foreign goods have infiltrated Indian markets, including traditional festivals and religious practices. His statement sparked applause from the audience and a renewed call for self-reliance in line with the government’s 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision.
Drawing a direct connection to national security and economic strength, PM Modi tied the message of economic independence to patriotism. Referring to the recent Operation Sindoor – India’s military offensive against terror infrastructure across the border – he urged citizens to contribute to the country in their own way.
“For Operation Sindoor, as a citizen, I have a task for you: go home and make a list of how many foreign products you use in 24 hours,” Modi said, emphasizing the need for individual accountability in building a stronger nation.
