Lucknow: In honour of Mahatma Gandhi’s 157th birth anniversary, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced a blanket 25 % discount on every khadi product. The reduced‑price scheme will remain in effect until 30 January 2027.
Yogi Adityanath Urges a Khadi Renaissance
The chief minister appealed to residents to make khadi a staple of daily attire and to support the men and women who spin, weave, and stitch these fabrics. He reminded listeners that khadi is not merely a cloth, but a living emblem of India’s struggle for freedom and the principle of self‑reliance.
A Floral Tribute to Two National Icons
On Gandhi Jayanti, Yogi placed fresh blossoms at the statue of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna award‑ee Lal Bahadur Shastri inside Lucknow’s Annex Building, paying homage to both leaders.
He urged the public to mirror the values they embodied – dedication to nation‑building, humility, and unwavering public service.
Swadeshi at the Heart of the Freedom Fight
Marking Gandhi’s 157th and Shastri’s 122nd birthdays, the chief minister highlighted how the swadeshi doctrine – the use of indigenous goods – became a rallying cry against colonial rule. Under Gandhi’s guidance, the quest for self‑sufficiency transformed a political demand into a mass movement.
Yogi stressed that Gandhi’s message of self‑reliance is still relevant, linking the promotion of home‑grown products to a broader vision of taking Indian crafts from village bazaars to the global stage.
Boosting Rural Artisans and Weavers
The minister emphasized the need to open larger markets for village‑made items, arguing that heightened demand for handcrafted goods can elevate the economic standing of artisans, handicraft workers, and weavers.
He portrayed the adoption of indigenous products as a meaningful tribute to the freedom fighters who championed self‑sufficiency.
Remembering Shastri’s 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 steadfast 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 secured grain reserves. He noted that today India can feed more than 1.4 billion people and even export food grains abroad.
The slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” continues to inspire soldiers, farmers and citizens alike, reinforcing the timeless link between national defence and agricultural prosperity.
