PM Modi Urges Citizens to Take Pride in 'Swadeshi' Products Amid GST Reforms and Festive Season

On September 21, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation, urging citizens to embrace and promote 'Swadeshi' or Made-in-India products. Highlighting the importance of supporting indigenous industries, he stressed that the spirit of self-reliance is critical for India’s economic growth. His appeal came on the eve of major Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, aimed at easing the tax burden on consumers and enhancing the competitiveness of domestic products.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation today (Photo: PTI) | India Today

Reviving the Spirit of Swadeshi

Prime Minister Modi underlined that the Swadeshi movement, historically significant during India’s independence struggle, continues to be relevant today. He encouraged citizens to adopt the mantra, "I buy Swadeshi, I sell Swadeshi," making every purchase and sale a contribution toward national self-reliance. This initiative complements the government’s broader 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' mission, which seeks to strengthen domestic industries and reduce dependence on imports.

GST Reforms: Boosting Consumer Savings

In his address, PM Modi described the upcoming GST reforms as a "double bonanza" for citizens. Effective from September 22, 2025, these reforms are expected to generate annual savings of around ₹2.5 lakh crore for consumers, benefiting households across various income levels, including the youth, women, and small businesses. By simplifying the tax structure and easing compliance, the reforms aim to make Indian products more competitive domestically and globally, while simultaneously encouraging local manufacturing.

Promoting Swadeshi During the Festive Season

The Prime Minister’s appeal coincided with the festive season, including Durga Puja and Diwali. He urged citizens to make conscious choices by purchasing Indian-made goods—from everyday items such as toys and home décor to larger appliances and electronics. Modiji emphasized that supporting local products keeps wealth within the country, empowers artisans and MSMEs, and strengthens the national economy. Shopkeepers were also encouraged to prominently display boards promoting Swadeshi products, reinforcing a culture of self-reliance at the grassroots level.

Political Reactions and Public Sentiment

While Modiji’s call for Swadeshi has garnered widespread public support, it has also sparked political debate. For instance, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal raised questions about the consistency of government practices in promoting local products, citing the use of foreign-made jets by officials. This highlights ongoing discussions about aligning policy intentions with practical actions concerning self-reliance.

The MGMM Outlook

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal urging citizens to embrace ‘Swadeshi’ products comes at a crucial time for India’s economy. Highlighting the historical significance of the Swadeshi movement, Modiji framed buying and selling Indian-made goods as a direct contribution to national self-reliance. With the upcoming GST reforms set to simplify taxation and provide substantial savings for consumers, his call reinforces the government’s broader mission of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ aiming to strengthen domestic industries and reduce dependence on imports. The emphasis on Swadeshi extends beyond symbolism—it encourages households, entrepreneurs, and youth to actively support local artisans, MSMEs, and manufacturers, ensuring that economic growth benefits the nation at large.

The timing of the appeal, coinciding with major festivals like Durga Puja and Diwali, further strengthens its impact. By promoting Indian-made products across everyday and high-value items, the initiative not only supports economic empowerment but also cultivates a culture of conscious consumption. While the move has been welcomed by many citizens, political debates, such as concerns raised over the use of foreign-made assets by officials, reflect the ongoing need to align governmental practices with the Swadeshi vision. Overall, the message positions buying local as both an economic choice and a patriotic responsibility that resonates with the spirit of self-reliance.

(Sources: News18, India Today, NDTV)