Lucknow: In a move timed with Mahatma Gandhi’s 157th birth anniversary, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced a 25 % discount on every khadi product sold across the state. The reduced prices will remain in effect until 30 January 2027.
A Call for a Khadi Renaissance
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed to residents to make khadi a staple of their daily wardrobe and to back the men and women who spin, weave and stitch these cloths. He reminded listeners that khadi is more than a textile—it is a living emblem of India’s struggle for freedom and the spirit of self‑reliance.
Floral Homage to Two National Icons
On Gandhi Jayanti, the CM laid fresh garlands at the statue of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna awardee Lal Bahadur Shastri in Lucknow’s Annex Building, paying respect to both leaders.
He urged the public to emulate the values they championed: dedication to nation‑building, humility and steadfast public service.
Swadeshi at the Heart of the Freedom Struggle
Marking Gandhi’s 157th and Shastri’s 122nd birthdays, Yogi highlighted how the swadeshi principle—using indigenous goods—became a rallying cry against colonial rule. Under Gandhi’s guidance, the push for self‑sufficiency transformed a political demand into a mass movement.
The chief minister emphasized that Gandhi’s message of self‑reliance remains relevant today, linking the promotion of home‑grown products to a broader vision of taking Indian crafts from village bazaars to global markets.
Boosting Rural Artisans and Weavers
Yogi stressed the urgency of opening larger markets for village‑made items, arguing that stronger demand for handcrafted goods can uplift 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.
Shastri Remembered for 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 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 defended 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.
