While addressing people in the 106th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi made an appeal to people to purchase locally-made products during festive days and on special occasions. Under his leadership and empowering the spirit of ‘Vocal for Local’, the Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Shri Manoj Kumar inaugurated a five-days 'Diwali Utsav' Gramshilpa, Khadi Lounge in Connaught Place, New Delhi yesterday.

To connect the people of Delhi with the appeal of the Prime Minister, a special range of local products has been made available during the 'Diwali Utsav,' to ensure that more and more locally manufactured products reach the common people. When Khadi products are sold, they provide economic self-reliance to the artisans working in rural India.

On the occasion, Shri Manoj Kumar said “a wide range of local products are available here for Khadi lovers in every budget. Starting from products like clay diyas made by potters in Delhi, priced from Rs.50 to Rs.1000 to beautiful idols of Lakshmi and Ganesh, handcrafted clay temples, products made from millets by Village Industries and PMEGP units, candles, Agarbatti, Khadi jackets tailored by Khadi artisans and designers, and a special range of various fashionable Khadi garments are available as well.”

Celebrating the spirit of Diwali Utsav and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan located at Connaught Place, New Delhi is also offering special discounts, including up to 20% off on Khadi products and 10% off on Village Industries products.

Under the exemplary leadership of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Kumar said, “The sales of Khadi and Village Industries products made history in the previous financial year, crossing a whopping Rs. 1.34 lakh crore, while a record of generating the highest 9.54 lakh new jobs in a single financial year has been achieved.”

He further mentioned that on October 2, 2023, Gandhi Jayanti, a single-day sale of Khadi products worth Rs.1.52 Crore took place at the flagship Khadi Bhavan in Connaught Place, New Delhi. KVIC is consistently committed to promoting indigenous products. He appealed to everyone to purchase indigenous Khadi products during the festivals so that millions of artisans associated with KVIC in rural areas can find livelihood opportunities.”

The program was attended by officers and staff, including the Chief Executive Officer of Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Shri Vinit Kumar.

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MJPS/NSK