Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his regular ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, highlighted the importance of holding wedding celebrations on Indian soil. He expressed concern over the trend of “big families” opting for weddings abroad, emphasizing the economic impact and the need for change. With the wedding season underway and estimated business of around ₹5 lakh crore, Modi urged citizens to prioritize products made in India during wedding shopping, aligning with the ‘vocal for local’ initiative.
His concern resonated deeply: “Is it necessary for families to opt for overseas weddings?” he pondered. Modi stressed that celebrating marriage festivities within the country would retain money within India, fostering local economic growth.
Additionally, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to embrace digital transactions, particularly through UPI (Unified Payments Interface). Encouraging citizens to rely more on digital payments, Modi observed a significant surge in UPI transactions over recent months. He called for an exclusive use of UPI for forthcoming transactions and invited feedback on this experience.
The statistics speak volumes. In October alone, India witnessed a staggering 11 billion transactions worth ₹17.16 lakh crore through UPI, a significant surge attributed to the festive season. This surge reflects a shifting trend away from cash payments, marking an 8% increase in transaction volume compared to the previous month.
Modi’s advocacy for Indian soil celebrations and emphasis on UPI transactions aligns with a larger narrative of economic empowerment and self-reliance. By prioritizing local products and digital transactions, he envisions not just economic stability but also the development of systems supporting these initiatives.
This approach resonates with the evolving dynamics of Indian society, reflecting a growing inclination towards self-sufficiency and digital adoption. The call for embracing indigenous goods and digital payments is not merely a personal preference but a vision for a self-reliant, economically robust India.
The shift in focus towards domestic celebrations and digital transactions embodies a larger narrative of empowerment, resonating with citizens and fostering economic development while aligning with global trends of sustainability and self-sufficiency.
In essence, Modi’s address underlines a crucial shift towards strengthening the economy through local support and digital advancement, offering a blueprint for a more resilient and self-reliant India.
