Jammu, October 15, 2025:
Calling for a collective commitment towards self-reliance, BJP leader Dr. Pardeep Mahotra today said that ‘Vocal for Local’ should be the guiding mantra for building a self-sustaining and prosperous Jammu & Kashmir. He urged people to adopt Swadeshi products this Deepawali, turning the festival into a celebration of India’s entrepreneurial spirit and economic independence.
Dr. Mahotra described ‘Vocal for Local’ not as a mere slogan but as a transformative movement capable of strengthening the nation’s economic foundation. “Every rupee spent on indigenous goods contributes to a self-reliant ecosystem, benefiting both rural and urban communities,” he said. The initiative, he added, perfectly aligns with India’s cultural ethos of self-reliance, sustainability, and respect for nature.
He emphasized that promoting local industries not only empowers craftsmen and entrepreneurs but also revives India’s centuries-old tradition of sustainable living. “By supporting local innovation and entrepreneurship, we generate employment, preserve biodiversity, and minimize environmental degradation. This is true economic and ecological harmony,” Dr. Mahotra said.
Hailing the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr. Mahotra noted that the call for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local has evolved into a mass movement. “Policy reforms, industrial incentives, and growing public awareness have begun to yield visible results across the nation. Now it’s time for Jammu & Kashmir to emerge as a strong pillar of this national mission,” he asserted.
Appealing to the J&K Government, he urged for enhanced policy support, marketing platforms, and incentives for local entrepreneurs. “Our region’s unique crafts, industries, and agricultural products deserve national and global recognition. With institutional support, we can transform our local strengths into global brands,” he said.
Dr. Mahotra expressed confidence that empowering local producers, artisans, and traders would script a new chapter of economic independence and inclusive prosperity for the Union Territory. “This campaign can revitalize our entire economic ecosystem—boosting production, encouraging local consumption, and raising household incomes—making Jammu & Kashmir a model of self-reliant development,” he observed.
Concluding his appeal, Dr. Mahotra urged citizens to make this festive season a tribute to India’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit. “Let this Deepawali shine with Swadeshi, Sustainability, and Self-Reliance. Every locally made diya, sweet, or gift we choose lights up not just our homes, but the nation’s pride and progress,” he said.
