Swadesi!!!

There is a woman in Palanpur, Gujarat who sits in a small cottage weaving silk sarees. She is the only one in her neighborhood who didn’t shift to another job after the drastic fall in demand. She clings to silk-weaving as it is her family tradition. They had been weaving silk since 1840, even before independence. She is in debt. Her house is mortgaged, and yet she lives in the belief that someday everything will be fine. She thinks the Swadeshi Movement that a great man had once created history with, will be reintroduced.

Good morning dear friends. Today I stand to address you on the notion of reintroducing the Swadeshi movement. India’s economy, its currency, is facing a major downfall due to increasing imports relative to exports, which is occurring due to growing demand for foreign goods by us, the young generation. So I feel there is a need to reintroduce the Swadeshi Movement.

Our obsession of western goods, brands, and commodities has ruined our economy. Our currency is dwindling day by day due to our petty desires for foreign goods like jeans and other brands. According to the Ministry of Foreign Trade, the import values have inflated rapidly from 20000 million dollars in 1990 to 1, 50,000 million dollars today. The value of Indian currency to 1 dollar has fallen from 17.50 rupees in 1990 to 61.23 rupees today. This drastic fall is because of us. We, the young generation have neglected the economy of the nation. We, the young generation that shoulders the future of this nation have created this major crisis. Hence it is our duty to develop our country and pull it out from this quicksand of crisis.

There was a great man, the father of the nation, who began a movement that created a revolution. A movement that every Indian has proudly spoken of. A movement that evacuated the intruders that tried to destroy our motherland. The same movement can now unravel this dilemma. Swadeshi . The deliberate effort to use only Indian made products in order to bring down the market of foreign goods and rejuvenate our currency. By reintroducing the Swadeshi movement we can revive the Indian Industry, multiply exports and bring India to new heights.

The introduction of Swadeshi movement can have a great impact on the currency. Handloom industry which had declined can bloom once again giving employment and opportunity to various skilled artisans who had lost their jobs. Mobile phone companies that have not been credited due to unparalleled demand for apple products will be recognized. The Indian market and technological industry will thrive which will lead to growth of the economy. Swadeshi will act as a catalyst to the growth of our country. Exports will raise and the world will start craving for Indian goods just as Indians craved for western goods. I know most of think am fantasizing and that it is impossible for us to match their level but a tree begins with a seed. Only if we believe it, will it happen. An initiative called “Made in India” has already started this movement and we need to believe in this effort and help our country.

It is our responsibility. India is our country. I know that to many people it may seem very nonsensical and meaningless but being born on this land, living on this land and your cultural identity comes with a social responsibility. How many of you feel a burst of adrenaline when you watch nationalistic movies or sing the national anthem? How many of you are proud of your country; however it may be, and feel like doing something for it? This is the time. This is the time to leave for your country, your petty desires and follow the Swadeshi Movement. I charge you to use only Indian made goods, not for long, only a year and see the change for yourself. Let us all show the woman in Palanpur that she was right. We, the young generation will not let India down. Indians form India and India form Indians. They are not two different things. Jai Hind.