Vocal for Local

Why in the news ? 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Mann Ki Baat (August 2025) radio address, appealed to citizens to adopt the mantra “Vocal for Local” during the upcoming festival season, connecting it to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and the goal of building a developed India.

Key Points: Vocal for Local

• Festival Appeal: Urged people to buy swadeshi (Made in India) products during Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Puja, and Deepavali for gifts, clothes, and décor.

Mantra for India:

• Vocal for Local → support local goods.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat → self-reliant India.
• Developed India → ultimate national goal.

• Natural Disasters: Expressed anguish over monsoon disasters (floods, landslides, destruction of homes/fields). Appreciated rescue forces and use of modern technology (thermal cameras, drones, sniffer dogs, life detectors) in relief operations.

Jammu & Kashmir Highlights:

• First day-night cricket match in Pulwama.
• Srinagar’s Dal Lake hosted the Khelo India Water Sports Festival.

Cultural Diplomacy:

• A 51-foot Lord Ram statue unveiled in Mississauga, Canada.
• An exhibition on the Ramayana was held in Vladivostok, Russia, showcasing paintings created by Russian children.

About Vocal for Local:

Introduced by PM Modi in 2020 during COVID-19 crisis as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.

Meaning: Encourage citizens to buy, promote, and take pride in Indian-made goods and services.

Objectives:

• Boost domestic industries, artisans, and small businesses.
• Reduce import dependence.
• Strengthen India’s economy and create jobs.
• Position India as a global manufacturing hub.