Lucknow- In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s clarion call to support indigenous products, a grand assembly of traders from across Uttar Pradesh was held at Sahkarita Bhawan, Vidhan Sabha Marg, Lucknow. The event, organized by the Lucknow Vyapar Mandal and witnessed an enthusiastic turnout from hundreds of traders.
The event was chaired by Amar Nath Mishra, President of Lucknow Vyapar Mandal, who also anchored the program. The Chief Guest for the occasion was Shri Brajesh Pathak, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, who was warmly welcomed with a floral bouquet, a memento, and a ceremonial shawl by Provincial President Banwari Lal Kanchhal, City Chairman Rajendra Kumar Agrawal, General Secretary Anurag Mishra, and other senior office-bearers.
Swadeshi Movement Takes Centre Stage
In his keynote address, Dy CM Brajesh Pathak underlined the critical importance of embracing Swadeshi (indigenous) products. He emphasized that adopting local goods strengthens the national economy, promotes local industries, boosts employment opportunities, and fosters a sense of patriotism.
“By using locally made products, we ensure circulation of wealth within our own economy. It reduces unemployment, preserves cultural heritage, and contributes to environmental sustainability by relying on traditional, eco-friendly methods,” Pathak said.
He also administered a pledge to all traders, urging them to commit themselves to:
“Prioritizing the purchase, sale, manufacturing, and usage of Swadeshi goods to uplift national pride and economic strength.”
Leaders Voice Support for Self-Reliance
Banwari Lal Kanchhal, in his speech, encouraged attendees to shift focus from foreign to indigenous goods, stating that “our mindset needs to evolve to value what is made in India.”
Rajendra Kumar Agrawal, City Chairman, echoed the sentiment:
“A strong nation can only be built when we put the interests of the country first. Swadeshi is not just a movement; it is a mission.”
Amar Nath Mishra spoke about how globalisation has turned the world into one market but stressed that promoting indigenous products helps sustain traditions and improve India’s economic standing.
“Reduced dependency on foreign goods strengthens the rupee and reduces trade deficits,” he added.
Treasurer Devendra Gupta emphasized the eco-friendly nature of Swadeshi products, created using sustainable, traditional techniques.
Anurag Mishra, Umesh Sharma, and Jitendra Singh Chauhan collectively urged the crowd to support the Make in India campaign, linking it to the preservation of India’s cultural heritage and economic self-reliance.
Strong Turnout Reflects Trader Solidarity
The event saw the presence of many dignitaries and prominent traders including:
Anil Virmani, Bharat Bhushan Gupta, Ramkumar Verma, Sushil Tiwari, M.K. Shukla, Sanjeev Agrawal, Manish Arora, Sameer Jain, Rinku Yadav, Rajendra Singh Bagga, and hundreds of other traders representing various districts and trade bodies.
The event served as a strong reminder that India’s trader community stands united in promoting Swadeshi, aligning themselves with the national vision for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).
