Let's make local 'global', augment prestige of Indian products: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India achieving its export target of $400 billion this fiscal shows that the demand for its items is increasing all over the world, and asserted that when every Indian gets 'vocal for local', it does not take much time for the "local to become global".

In his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio broadcast, Modi also noted that the government has purchased items worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore in the last one year through government e-Market with close to 1.25 lakh small entrepreneurs and shopkeepers having sold their goods directly to the government.

From a time when only big companies could sell goods to the government to now when even the smallest of shopkeepers can sell their produce, a new India has emerged, he said.

"She (new India) not only dreams big but also shows the courage to reach that goal, where no one has reached before. On the basis of this very courage, all of us Indians together will definitely fulfil the dream of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, a self-reliant India," he said.

The prime minister also lauded the rise in the market for Ayush products and startups related to it, and asked entrepreneurs to try to make their portals in all languages recognised by the United Nations as there are many countries where English is neither spoken nor understood much.

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"Promote your information keeping such countries in mind as well. I am sure that soon, Ayush start-ups from India with better quality products will reign all over the world," he said.

Hailing the potential of Indian products, he said the basis of its strength is the country's farmers, artisans, weavers, engineers, small entrepreneurs, the MSME sector and people from many different professions.

"It is only due to their hard work that the goal of exporting to the tune of $400 billion has been achieved and I am happy that this power of the people of India is now reaching new markets in every nook and corner of the world," the prime minister said.

"When each and every Indian is vocal for local, it does not take long for the local to become global. Let's make the local 'global' and augment the prestige of our products further," he said.

He said that India achieving the export target of $400 billion, i.e. Rs 30 lakh crore, at first instance, might come across as a matter related to the economy, but it is related to the capability of India.

In a way, this means that the demand for items made in India is increasing all over the world and that the supply chain of India is getting stronger by the day, Modi said.

The nation takes great strides when resolutions are bigger than dreams, he asserted.

When there is a sincere effort day and night for the resolutions, they attain fruition, he added.

Noting that new products from all corners of the country are reaching foreign shores, Modi cited leather products from Hailakandi in Assam, handloom products from Osmanabad, fruits and vegetables from Bijapur and black rice from Chandauli.

"Now, you will also find the world-famous apricot of Ladakh in Dubai too and in Saudi Arabia, you will find bananas shipped from Tamil Nadu. Most importantly, an array of new products are being sent to newer countries," he said.

Exports increased by 37 percent to $400 billion during April-March 2021-22 against $292 billion in 2020-21.

For the first time ever, India's merchandise exports have crossed $400 billion in a fiscal. In 2018-19, the outbound shipments had touched a record of $330.07 billion.

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In his remarks, he also highlighted that during the last year through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, the government has purchased items worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore.

Close to 1.25 lakh small entrepreneurs and shopkeepers from every corner of the country have sold their goods directly to the government, he pointed out.

"There was a time when only big companies could sell goods to the government. However, the country is changing now; the old systems are also changing. Now even the smallest of shopkeepers can sell one's goods to the government on the GeM Portal - this is the New India," Modi said.

The market of the Ayush industry is reaching around Rs 1.40 lakh crore to around Rs 22,000 crore six years ago, Modi noted.

In his address, Modi also paid tribute to Jyotirao Phule and BR Ambedkar, both of whom have their birth anniversary in April, and Phule's wife Savitribai Phule, a social reformer. He recalled their contributions to the society.

He also mentioned yoga exponent Swami Sivanand, who recently received Padma award at the age of 126. The entire nation is inspired by him, and his life and exemplary work give important lessons in health and fitness, he said.

In the broadcast, he also mentioned people working for cleanliness and ensuring water for animals and birds and urged everyone to save every drop of water and work for recycling of water.

"Be it the construction of check dams or rainwater harvesting, individual efforts are also important in this and collective efforts are necessary too. For instance, at least 75 'amrit sarovars' can be made in every district in the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Some old lakes can be rejuvenated; some new ones can be dug," the prime minister said.