Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that teachers generally give homework to their students, but he wants to give one “homework” to teachers for a change, that is to lead campaigns along with their students to promote swadeshi products and give an impetus to “Make in India” and “vocal for local”. In an interaction with National Teacher awardees, Mr Modi asked schools to celebrate such occasions as ‘Swadeshi Day’ or ‘Swadeshi Week’ when students would bring local products from their homes and share their stories.

The Prime Minister said, students should be encouraged to get Swadeshi products from home, and there should be discussions on that. Students can also participate in marches in villages carrying placards rooting for swadeshi products. Such activities will create an atmosphere and encourage the citizens to use Made in India and be vocal for local products,” he said.

Mr Modi also encouraged the use of indigenous materials in art and craft classes and school celebrations to nurture a lasting sense of pride in Indian-made goods. He emphasised discussions on the origin, makers, and national importance of swadeshi products to foster deeper awareness. The Prime Minister said that there should be boards outside every house and shop of ‘har ghar swadeshi’.

Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy of promoting swadeshi, Mr Modi said it is now this generation’s duty to complete that mission. Mr Modi called upon all teachers across the country to sow the seeds of self-reliance in every student and communicate its importance in simple language and local dialects. He urged teachers to inspire students to understand that a nation dependent on others can never progress as rapidly as its true potential allows. He cited the example of India spending over 1 lakh crore rupees annually on edible oil imports.