Urging 'big families' to expand the missing of 'vocal for local', PM Modi during his 'Mann Ki Baat' address urged 'big families' to organise weddings on Indian soil, adding that it could generate a business of around rs 5 lakh crore. He hoped that his message reached these families and such weddings celebrations could be organised in the country so that the money doesn't leave the shores. He also advised people that while shopping for weddings or such big celebrations, they should go for products made in India.
“The wedding season has commenced now. Some trade organisations estimate that there could be a business of around Rs 5 lakh crore during this wedding season. While shopping for weddings, all of you should give importance to products made in India only,” he said.
“And yes, since the topic of marriage has come up, one thing has been troubling me off and on for a long time… and if I don't open up my heart's pain to my family members, who else do I do it with? Just ponder… these days a new milieu is being created by some families to go abroad and conduct weddings. Is this at all necessary?” Modi said.
He said that if people held weddings in India, amid the people of the country, then the money would remain here and people get a chance to offer various services at such weddings.
“Even poor people will tell their children about your wedding. Can you expand this mission of 'Vocal for Local'? Why don't we hold such wedding ceremonies in our own country?” PM Modi said.
“It is possible that the kind of system you want may not be there today, but if we organise such events, systems will also develop. This is a topic related to very big families. I hope this pain of mine will definitely reach those big families,” the PM added.
Modi highlighted that when the populace actively engages in nation-building, no force on Earth can hinder a country's progress. He pointed out India's evident transformation, propelled by its 140 crore people. “We have seen a direct example of this during this festive season. Last month in 'Mann Ki Baat' I had laid emphasis on 'Vocal for Local,' i.e., buying local products. Within the last few days, business worth more than Rs 4 lakh crore has been done in the country on Diwali, Bhaiya Dooj, and Chhath,” he said.
He noted the remarkable enthusiasm shown by people in buying Made-in-India products during this period. He said that even children, while shopping, now seek the 'Made in India' label. Additionally, there's a growing trend of verifying the country of origin when purchasing items online.
Modi said that the Vocal For Local campaign is a “guarantee of employment” and added that the campaign strengthens the economy of the entire country.“This also paves the way for value addition in local products, and if ever there are ups and downs in the global economy, the mantra of Vocal For Local also protects our economy,” Modi asserted.