PM Modi suggested restarting ‘Covid-era practices’, such as working from home, while urging citizens to reduce edible oil consumption and opt for domestic tourism.
PM Modi addressing a public meeting in Hyderabad.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday pushed for collective participation to help India, citing national interest amid economic challenges and supply chain disruptions caused by the US-Iran war in West Asia.
While addressing a public meeting in Hyderabad, Prime Minister Modi emphasised a ‘swadeshi’ push to deal with the conflict, such as buying locally manufactured products and opting for domestic tourism amid national uncertainty.
“When the supply chain continues to be in crisis, no matter what measures we take, the difficulties only increase. Therefore, now we must fight unitedly, keeping the country and Mother India first. We must remember that patriotism is not just about dying for the country. Living for the country and fulfilling our duties to the country is also patriotism,” he said.
Reduce Fuel Consumption
The Prime Minister also appealed to citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption by using metros and public transport whenever available, and opting for car-pooling when private vehicles are required. “People with electric vehicles should try to use them as much as possible,” he said.
Resumption Of Covid-Era Measures
During the meeting, PM Modi said, “During the Covid-19 period, we adopted work from home, online meetings, video conferences, and developed many such systems. We had also become accustomed to them. Today, the need of the hour is that we restart those practices, as it would be in the national interest, and we must once again give them priority.”
“We must prioritise work from home, online conferences, and virtual meetings again. We must also place a strong emphasis on saving foreign exchange, as petrol and diesel have become so expensive globally,” he added.
Prioritising Domestic Tourism
PM Modi also called on people to avoid unnecessary foreign travel, overseas vacations and foreign weddings. “We must decide that during this time of crisis, we should postpone travelling abroad for at least a year,” he said.
Reduce Gold Purchases
Prime Minister Modi also called on people to halt gold purchases to ease the burden on foreign exchange outflows. He requested people to avoid purchasing gold for at least a year “no matter how many functions we have scheduled at home.”
Made In India Push
He also encouraged citizens to prioritise Made-in-India and locally manufactured products, including daily-use items such as shoes, bags, and accessories. “I am not saying that you should throw away the foreign products or foreign brands you already own, but my appeal is that we should avoid purchasing new foreign products,” he said.
“We need to make a proper list of all the items used in our homes and observe how many foreign-made products have silently entered our daily lives without us even noticing. Whether it is scissors, combs, small household items, toothpaste, toothbrushes — so many things from abroad have become part of our homes,” he added.
Reduce Edible Oil Consumption
PM Modi also urged people to reduce consumption of edible oil, saying India spends a huge amount of foreign exchange on importing cooking oil. “If every family reduces its consumption of edible oil even slightly — as I have repeatedly said, by at least 10% — it can make a significant difference,” he added.
Agricultural Changes
The Prime Minister also urged farmers to reduce the use of chemical fertilisers by 50% and move towards natural farming practices. He said the practice would help protect soil health and reduce import dependence
PM Modi also encouraged wider adoption of solar-powered irrigation pumps instead of diesel pumps in agriculture.
“This is not merely a BJP issue — this is an issue concerning the entire nation. And for this, every citizen, every political party, every government, every community, and every organisation must remain committed and united in resolve,” he said.
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