“If the Corona pandemic was the biggest crisis of this century, then the conditions created by war in West Asia are among the biggest crises of this decade. Just as we together overcame the pandemic, we will overcome this crisis too,” he said in his address during inauguration of Sardardham Hostel in Vadodara, Gujarat.
The government is continuously trying to ensure that these adverse circumstances have the least possible impact on ordinary citizens. But at such a time, the country greatly needs the power of public participation. As citizens of India, we must prioritize our duties. In earlier decades too, whenever the country faced war or major crises, citizens fulfilled their responsibilities in response to the government’s call. Even today, we must all work together to reduce the burden on the country’s resources., Modi said.
India spends lakhs of crores of rupees in foreign exchange importing many products. At the same time, the prices of imported goods are soaring and supply chains have been badly disrupted. Therefore, the country is facing a double challenge, he said.
Just as a pot fills drop by drop, we too must reduce the use of imported products through every small effort, and avoid personal activities that lead to unnecessary foreign exchange expenditure, Modi added.
A major portion of India’s imports is crude oil. Unfortunately, the region that supplies much of the world’s oil is currently caught in conflict and war. Therefore, until conditions normalize, we must all take small pledges together, he added.
“I spoke about this yesterday in Karnataka and Telangana, and today I am emphasizing it again in Gujarat. And since I have a greater right over you, I will say this affectionately: wherever possible, reduce the use of petrol and diesel. Use metro services, electric buses, and public transport more. Promote carpooling. Those who own cars should travel with more people together. Those who own electric vehicles should also come forward to help others”, Modi said.
Digital technology has made many things easier. Technology can greatly benefit us. It is important that both government and private offices prioritize virtual meetings and work-from-home arrangements. I would also request some schools to work on arrangements for online classes for some time, he said.
Not only fuel, but also edible oil imports consume a large amount of foreign exchange. If we exercise restraint and reduce the consumption of cooking oil, both the country and our health will benefit. And I especially say this to the people of Surat, Modi said.
Similarly, as a member of your family, I appeal to all brothers and sisters: the import of gold also causes huge foreign exchange outflow. I urge all countrymen that until conditions normalize, we should postpone purchasing gold. There is no need for gold right now, he said.
Today, the need of the hour is to make “Vocal for Local” a people’s movement. Replace foreign goods with local products. Strengthen entrepreneurs from your villages, cities, and country. Many people sitting here produce excellent and world-class goods, Modi added.
In agriculture, we should promote indigenous fertilizers and natural farming. Solar pumps should replace diesel pumps, he added.
Therefore, I urge all of you to guide every farmer in your village toward freedom from chemical fertilizers and toward natural farming, Modi said.
It has become fashionable that as soon as vacations begin, children are handed tickets to foreign countries. People spend vacations abroad. Summer holidays are approaching. Nowadays foreign travel and destination weddings abroad have become a growing trend. Earlier, people used to send me invitations; now they do not, because weddings are being held abroad. But this also results in huge foreign exchange expenditure, he pointed out.
Think about it — are there no beautiful places in India where we can spend our vacations? Let us teach our children our history and take pride in our own places. It is important that we vacation within India. And for weddings too, I do not believe there can be a more sacred place than India, Modi said.
For weddings too, India has many wonderful locations, and we should choose them, he said.
The efforts I have mentioned are all small efforts; I have not asked you to do anything difficult. But remember, even small efforts become the nation’s greatest strength when 140 crore Indians move together with one resolve. When 140 crore people take one step forward, the country moves forward by 140 crore steps, Modi said.
Therefore, once again, we must unite so that no crisis can hinder our progress and development. I am confident that together we will fulfill these resolutions and strengthen the country, he added.
For more details: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2260058®=3&lang=1
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