Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a blanket 25 % reduction on every khadi product to mark Mahatma Gandhi’s 157th birth anniversary. The scheme will remain in effect up to 30 January 2027.
Yogi Adityanath Champions a Khadi Renaissance
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed to the public to make khadi a part of daily attire and to stand behind the men and women who spin, weave and stitch these cloths. He reminded listeners that khadi is far more than a textile—it embodies the spirit of India’s freedom struggle and the principle of self‑reliance.
Floral Tribute to Two National Icons
On Gandhi Jayanti, the CM laid fresh flowers at the statue of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna awardee Lal Bahadur Shastri in Lucknow’s Annex Building, honouring both leaders together.
He urged citizens to follow the values these figures represented—devotion to nation‑building, humility, and steadfast public service.
Swadeshi at the Heart of the Freedom Struggle
While commemorating Gandhi’s 157th and Shastri’s 122nd birthdays, Yogi highlighted how the Swadeshi doctrine—preferring indigenous goods—became a rallying cry against colonial oppression. Under Gandhi’s guidance, the quest for self‑sufficiency transformed a political stance into a mass movement.
The chief minister emphasized that Gandhi’s call for self‑reliance remains relevant today, linking the promotion of home‑grown items to a broader vision of taking Indian crafts from village bazaars onto the world stage.
Boosting Rural Artisans and Weavers
Yogi stressed the importance of expanding market access for village‑made products, arguing that stronger demand for handcrafted goods can elevate the economic standing of artisans, handicraft workers and weavers.
He portrayed the adoption of indigenous products as a heartfelt tribute to the freedom fighters who championed self‑sufficiency.
Shastri Remembered for Simplicity and Resolve
Describing Lal Bahadur Shastri as a model of modesty, determination and public duty, the CM recalled the former prime minister’s relentless focus on food security and his encouragement of the armed forces.
“Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” – An Enduring Rallying Cry
Yogi reflected on Shastri’s leadership during the 1965 war, when soldiers guarded the nation’s borders while farmers worked to safeguard grain reserves. He noted that today India is capable of feeding over 1.4 billion people and even exporting food grains abroad.
The slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” continues to inspire soldiers, farmers and citizens alike, underscoring the timeless connection between national defence and agricultural prosperity.
