Addressing to the country on 13th May, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Vocal for Local” have become the most intense motto-the nation has heard over the last 50 years. In a force pressed discourse, PM Modi declared an incredible Rs 20 lakh crore monetary bundle to revive India’s economy that has been seriously battered by the crisis caused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also urged individuals to approach in making a self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) nation by supporting local organizations.
Rise of swadeshi movement in India
Since ‘Vocal for Local’ has become the most trending phrase since then, you feel it is a connect to the ‘Swadeshi Movement’, a part of the Indian independence movement that contributed to the development of Indian nationalism. It was the most successful movement against the British rule by Mahatma Gandhi, who described it as the soul of Swaraj(self-rule). The movement that began in 1903, called for the use of local products. The pattern went on for some years before Economic Liberalization started in the wake of the 1991 economic crisis, leading to consistent rise in FDI with the entry of global brands into the nation.
This event prompted hard core rivalry between the local home-grown players and foreign players, as the latter offered better quality products with competitive prices. Unable to compete, many small Indian players got acquired by big multinational companies. Except for few of the large national but diversified conglomerates like Tatas, Godrej, Reliance, and Raymond’s, to name a few, numerous more modest brands fell by the wayside.
PM Modi’s description on the Swadeshi Movement
Things have improvised in more significant way since last one and half decade with the unwinding in FDI norms, entry of foreign private equity and venture capital firms, who on the large scale were responsible for the India’s startup biological production system.
The Prime Minister’s ‘Vocal for Local’ is a call to buy “made in India” products. It forms the base of the government’s vision for “Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India)” to help the Indian economy. The emphasis on buying local goods comes soon after the governments ordered 4,000 army shops to sell only indigenous goods and stop buying imported goods. The thought is to help in growing the startup’s biological system by multi-folds and make more neighborhood brands. The Prime Minister’s vision to focus on home-grown companies is to not only increase domestic consumption but also intensify the export activities.
Some of the domestic and international companies are looking out for some indigenous set-up in various sectors from every nook of the nation. These companies did not get any intellectual or technical support from the government and hence they remained undersized or could not develop much. But these companies with proper handholding can become listed firm if acquired or looked after by bigger conglomerates.
The main idea of the government is to make the country a main hub for global supply chain and form a China-like ecosystem in India.
Indian Apps in replacement to Chinese Apps
- It is not easy to give up using One Plus, Oppo and other expensive mobile phones. But Indian apps can be downloaded from Play Store.
- We all must have used TikTok but we should definitely make an effort to switch to Bolo Indya, that provides musical video but with better standards.
- Beauty Plus app, that enhanced the pictures like professional photographer, can be easily replaced with Indian made Camera Plus app, which works almost equivalent.
- Indian Air Force will certainly let your JOSH have HIGH SIR, if given a try after PubG.
Productive Changes We Can Make in Our Daily Lives to Support the National Cause:
- Buy potato chips from local vendors during the season, store them, fry them when required or buy local brand chips instead of opting for an international one.
- Dine out or order from domestic restaurants rather than moving to big food chains.
- Purchase fruits and vegetables from streets stallers then going to supermarkets.
- Buy local handicrafts and products than choosing your favourite international brands.
- Purchase National Electronic Gadgets from local dealers instead of ordering them online.
- Not just buy the national product but also promote them.
- Startup can create their own market with apps like Yelo, Tookan, Panther and Fugu that help you deliver services even in remote areas.
- Make Use of online national Ecommerce website not only for shopping purpose but also for recharges & bill payments. Example: khatriji.in, empirecalls.co.in
Indian Brands to Purchase From:
The Indian FMCG markets have been leaders in ‘Indian categories’ such as hair oils, health supplements. Patanjali Ayurved Limited, originated in 2006, with the objective of establishing Ayurveda with the latest technology and ancient wisdom, it has been making environmentally friendly products since inception. The company is spread pan India and supplies wide range products in categories like personal care and food products, cosmetic and beauty products, medicines and clothing products.
Fabindia, founded in 1960, is one more example of Indian chain store showcasing handmade garments, furnishings, ethnic products and fabrics made by craftsmen across rural India. The company sources its products mainly from the local village artisans that would help sustain rural employment. The firm also added organic foods, personal care products, and handcrafted jewelry over the years its success and now is also into home furnishings, textiles, garments, stationery, home accessories to ceramics.
Khadi products from Khadi Mandir, that features not only Khadi textile and handmade products but also herbal active ingredients from organically grown pure plants extracts, is one the best way for going homemade way. Medimix is on the same path as an Indian originated soap brands.
Some of the emerging national e-commerce platforms like khatriji.in offer online recharge and bill payment services. You can make online recharge for mobile, datacard, DTH and bill payment for landline, broadband, electricity and gas pipeline. You can also pay your life insurance premium through khatriji.in. Khatriji is also self-earning online digital platform with all its services.
Similarly, there are numerous firms for Multi Recharge Software as well as Recharge API providers for website and business web portals, existing in the country like empirecalls.co.in . This company provides opportunity for local business owners to earn extra money through mobile recharge. The company offers “White Label Recharge Portal” service for Individuals and business owners, who want to start their own mobile recharge company with their outlet.
This attempt would preserve the Indian traditional craft and also create employment opportunity.
Thus, the gist for going “Vocal for Local” is just not about being self-sufficient or Atmanirbhar but it would mean helping the local vendors to rescue their sinking ships. It is about telling the world that “India can progress and do well”.
Tags: atmanirbharbharat, empirecalls, indianonlineplatform, khatriji, pmnarendramodi, swadeshimovement, useindianapp, vocalforlocal
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