Khadi : Swadeshi movement of Developed Nation

The Swadeshi Revolution, championed by Prime Minister Modi, emphasises Khadi as a symbol of self-reliance and economic empowerment in India. With significant growth in Khadi sales and employment, the movement aims to strengthen India's cultural identity and economy.

Today the whole world is entangled in the 'Chakravyuh of Tariff War'. Every country is raising walls of duty on imports and exports to fulfill its own interests. In this era of global diplomacy, economic competition has created new strains and the balance of global trade is getting shaken. Every country is looking for ways to break this Chakravyuh. But to get out of this, India has an eternal solution tried in the past - Swadeshi.

During the freedom struggle, after returning from South Africa, Pujya Bapu had blown the trumpet of self-reliance through Swadeshi through the Charkha (spinning wheel). Today, the same spinning wheel has become the basis of the 'Swadeshi Revolution' with the determination of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Recently, from the land of Gujarat, Hon’ble Prime Minister had said - "This land of Gujarat belongs to two Mohans - one Sudarshan-Chakradhari Dwarkadish Shri Krishna and the other Charkhadhari Mohan, Saint Pujya Bapu of Sabarmati." India is continuously getting stronger under the sanctifications of both of them. In true sense, I would say that this is the Modi era of Swadeshi Revolution through Khadi. Today, when the humming sound of spinning wheel and loom resonates in villages, it does not only weave yarn, but also weaves the fabric of the soul of developed India. The same Charkha (spinning wheel) which Mahatma Gandhi had made the 'weapon of freedom' has been made the 'foundation of developed India' by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Khadi is no longer just a fabric, but has become the 'flag bearer of Swadeshi Revolution'.

The leader of Swadeshi Revolution, Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has been continuously appealing to the people on the Nation from numerous platforms to adopt Khadi and Swadeshi products. On 31 August 2025, in his popular program 'Mann Ki Baat', he said, "There will be a lot of festival celebrations in the coming days. Never forget Swadeshi in these festival season - gifts should be made in India, clothes should be woven in India, decorations should be made from goods made in India, lighting should be made from garlands made in India. There should be Swadeshi in every need of life and say with pride - this is Swadeshi." Similarly, during his address from the Red Fort on 15 August 2025, he appealed to all shopkeepers and traders to put up boards in their shops which read, "Swadeshi goods are sold here". Recently, in a program organized in Delhi, he said, "Whenever we have taken a pledge, we have proved it. Khadi is the biggest example of this. Khadi was on the verge of disappearance, there was no one to ask about it. When I got the opportunity to serve, I appealed to the country and people took a pledge. The result was that the sale of Khadi has increased almost seven times in a decade. The countrymen have adopted Khadi with the mantra of 'Vocal for Local'."

This is the time of festivals in India. The Hon’ble Prime Minister's appeal is that this festive season should not only be a celebration of culture but also a celebration of self-reliance. His mantra is clear - "Whatever we buy, it will be Made in India, Swadeshi and whatever we sell will also be Swadeshi." Let us all take a pledge to build a developed and prosperous India of Amritkaal with messages like promoting Self-Reliant India, Made in India. Keep in mind that we will have to lay the foundation of developed India from our own units of the Nation producing Swadeshi products. We 144 crore Indians should take a pledge that we will buy and sell only swadeshi products, which will help in building a self-reliant, prosperous Nation.

Achievements and Future Vision

In the last 11 years, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission has achieved historic achievements. The business has surpassed Rs 1.75 lakh crore for the first time. Khadi sales have increased by seven times. Today, about 2 crore people across the country are getting employment by joining Khadi and Village Industries. These are not just figures, but a precedent of the 'Swadeshi Revolution'. Under the leadership of Modi ji, Khadi and Village Industries is not only the voice of 'Vocal for Local', but has also become a precedent of 'Make in India', 'Make for the World'.

The Prime Minister has applauded Khadi everywhere, from 'Mann Ki Baat' to Parliament and International forums. He has said - "When you buy Khadi, it is not just cloth, but a step that strengthens the lives of crores of people." This Khadi has become the basis of the 'Developed India @ 2047' campaign today.

Nation First Policy

Inspired by the policy of Nation first and the spirit of the interests of the deprived, our Prime Minister has always been concerned about small entrepreneurs, livestock farmers, peasants and working brothers and sisters. I can say from my personal experience that Hon’ble Prime Minister is such a unique leader of the world, who himself inspires and endorses the products of his small businessmen and artisans. Only he can give such a sturdy and clear message that 'the sweat of the countrymen should be reflected in the production of the country.' This feeling revamps 'Vocal for Local' and 'Swadeshi'. Today we all should have only one mantra - 'One resolution, Swadeshi is the only option' - 'Every festival, gift only Swadeshi'.

I believe that this is the time to test India's patience. The blood and sweat of our artisans is nourishing the economy with full enthusiasm and proficiency. This proficiency will take the wheels of developed India to that altitudes where even the superpowers of the world will be forced to accept India's immense power. If not today, then definitely tomorrow, India will be recognised as a 'Vishwa Guru'. This recognition will become a proof of vibrant energy and cultural strength within our democracy.

This will become basis for our Swadeshi system. No matter how much pressure comes we will bear it becoming stronger & stronger.This message from PM & mantra for 'Khadi-Shakti Se Swadeshi Kranti'.

Manoj Kumar,
Chairman,
Khadi and Village Industries Commission.