Politics · India · 9 hrs ago
Modi urges shoppers to choose local artisans’ products for Diwali
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to buy from local artisans as they shop for Diwali and other festivals.
He made the appeal in his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, whose 139th edition aired on Sunday.
The Vocal for Local campaign aims to support Indian-made products and contribute to a self-reliant India.
Modi pointed to exports of makhana from Bihar to Greece and arhar dal from Karnataka to the Maldives as examples of Indian goods reaching overseas markets.
He also highlighted efforts to revive traditional skills and natural cotton farming in Punjab’s Malwa region.
Modi said shoppers’ choices can help local makers by giving their products more support and visibility.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked 12 years of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat in its 139th episode on Sunday.
He urged people to keep their surroundings clean ahead of Diwali and Chhath and to protect water sources.
Modi encouraged citizens to buy products made by local artisans and strengthen the Vocal for Local initiative ahead of Deepavali.
He highlighted efforts by residents of Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, to revive the Heval river and nearby natural water sources.
He described Mann Ki Baat as a pilgrimage that lets him understand people’s efforts and recognise their contributions.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed listeners of Mann Ki Baat.
- What
- He marked 12 years of the programme and called for cleanliness, support for local products and care for water sources.
- When
- Sunday, October 25, 2026.
- Where
- The address was broadcast on radio in India.
- Why
- Modi said the programme allowed him to understand people’s efforts and pay tribute to their contributions.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Mann Ki Baat began on the occasion of Vijayadashami, according to Modi.
Modi addressed the 139th episode, marking 12 years of the programme.
- Programme
- Mann Ki Baat
- Episode
- 139th
- Milestone
- 12 years
- Broadcast date
- October 25, 2026
- River highlighted
- Heval river, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
4 sources
Amid festive season, PM Modi urges people to buy from local artisans in Mann Ki Baat
‘Give priority to local artisans’: PM Modi’s festive shopping appeal as Diwali approaches
Mann ki Baat address: PM Modi asks citizens to strengthen ‘Vocal for Local’ ahead of Deepavali
What people are saying
For me, ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is not less than a pilgrimage, a journey to closely understand the efforts of people of the country and to pay tribute to their contributions
The sacred festivals of Diwali and Chhath are just a few days away. Cleanliness campaigns are being run from place to place. It's important that we keep those places clean where we live
Let's strengthen 'Vocal for Local' by choosing products made by our local artisans