The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s Regional Outreach Bureau and Press Information Bureau, Chennai, conducted a webinar today on the topic  Mission Atmanirbhar Bharat- Vocal for Local to urge the public to support the local products during the festive season.   Shri R. Ramamurthy, President, Codissia, Coimbatore, in his keynote  address said that in order to become self reliant it is essential to concentrate on our manufacturing sector for which providing skill orientation is the need of the hour to improve the quality of the products. He cited the example of automobile industry  which has been almost indigenised during the recent past and urged other sectors also to follow its path. He further appreciated the Honourable Prime Minister's 'Vocal for local' call  as it will reinvigorate  the local industries and Products and boost exports.

 

“ The central government has already laid the road for resurgence after the covid 19 pandemic slow down  and  the implementation is good.   The pandemic had  learnt how to run our industries despite difficulties, he said. Though India has enough potential in manufacturing sector it needs infrastructural technological and skill oriented support to achieve the target, he further added. Rural India should be developed and the mindset of the people has to change, he said. 

    

Shri Venkatesh, Senior Journalist said that despite various challenges, the pandemic has given huge number of opportunities all over the country. The hesitation to buy local products among consumers and the preference of branded and quality products is no longer prevailing, as their attitudes have changed now, he said.

 

“ Vocal for local does not mean that we should stop buying products which are manufactured in other countries or stop our import. It means that we have to give sufficient importance for the local markets  and protect our local economy in such a way that we can be self sufficient”, he added. Appreciating the role of government in supporting people with various packages and schemes, Shri Venkatesh said that many sectors including MSME (Micro Small Medium Enterprises) are adapting to the new normal.

 

Shri. Kaarappan, National Handloom Trainer, Sirumugai, invited youngsters to engage themselves  in handloom industry as all the weavers engaged in this industry are above 40 years indicating  the bleak  future for the industry.

Stressing that adequate handloom skill training should be provided, he said that  the importance of this industry should also be included in the curriculum so as to create awareness  among youth and the common people.

 

In his Presidential address,  Shri  S. Venkateshwar, Director General (South Zone), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said that India was traditionally a self sufficient country, but due to the influence of fashion, people started giving more priority to foreign products. “ We are good at manufacturing silk, cotton, clay and metals.  Tamil Nadu is known for its temple monuments like that of Madurai, Thanjavur and rock cut temples, food, clothes especially Kanchivaram Silk, leather, art, architecture and culture”. He added that the pandemic has given us an opportunity to rethink and build up on our own strengths.

 

During his introductory address Shri M Annadurai, Additional Director General, Press Information Bureau, Chennai, said that the Vocal for Local campaign was initiated by the Central Government to provide job opportunities for those engaged in local industries thereby  improving the economy.

Earlier, Shri. J. Kamaraj, Joint Director, Regional Outreach Bureau, Chennai, welcomed the participants  and rendered the vote of thanks.

 

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