To disseminate Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Swadeshi in every home,’ ‘Vocal for Local,’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ among the masses, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) organized the ‘Khadi Diwali Fest-2026’ at NDMC Palika Park, Connaught Place, New Delhi (opposite Regal Cinema). The event featured a special interaction with media representatives and a ‘Diwali Milan’ (Diwali get together). KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Goel joined the event as the chief guest. Held under the theme ‘Khadi-wali Diwali,’ the event aims to encourage citizens to adopt Khadi and Swadeshi products during Diwali and other festivals, provide greater recognition to the creations of Indian artisans and rural entrepreneurs, and, in particular, connect the youth with the Swadeshi movement.
Speaking on the occasion, KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Goel opined that the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, envisioned Khadi not merely as a fabric, but as a symbol of self-reliance, self-respect, and economic independence. Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Khadi and *Swadeshi* (indigenous) movement has gained new momentum and widespread public participation. The Prime Minister’s call for Har Ghar Swadeshi, Ghar Ghar Swadehi’ extends beyond the mere purchase of indigenous goods; it s a comprehensive campaign aimed at fostering a sense of pride in Indian products, encouraging local producers, and strengthening the nation’s economic self-reliance.
Shri Goel reitrerated that the festive season is of immense significance to the Indian economy, local markets, and artisans. If every family prioritizes Khadi and other *Swadeshi* products during the festive season, the direct benefits reach millions of artisans, weavers, rural entrepreneurs, and their families across the country. He emphasized that purchasing *Swadeshi* products is not just a consumer choice, but a vital contribution by citizens toward strengthening the national economy and local employment.
The KVIC Chairman specifically urged the youth—including Gen-Z—to join the *Swadeshi* movement, highlighting that today’s youth are highly conscious of fashion, design, technology, and innovative ideas. By integrating Khadi and village industry products with modern designs, attractive presentation, superior branding, and contemporary lifestyles, these items can become even more popular among the youth. He added that young people can be more than just consumers of *Swadeshi* products; they can also serve as brand ambassadors, designers, digital promoters and entrepreneurs.
Shri Goel said that the role of the youth is crucial in realizing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of "Local to Global." Through social media, e-commerce, digital marketing, and startups, the youth can help take Khadi and village industry products to every nook and corner of the country, while also establishing a new identity for them in international markets. He further stated that to convey Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’ and the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative to the younger generation, KVIC has launched a podcast titled ‘Baat Khadi Ki’. Through this, efforts are being made to connect Gen-Z with Khadi and the *Swadeshi* (indigenous) movement by exploring topics such as the legacy of Khadi, modern fashion, innovation, and youth entrepreneurship. This initiative will help popularize Khadi among the new generation and strengthen the resolve for an *Atmanirbhar Bharat* (Self-reliant India).
Interacting with media representatives, Shri Goel noted that the Khadi and Village Industries sector has witnessed unprecedented progress, driven by the visionary thinking and policies of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. In the financial year 2025-26, the turnover of the Khadi and Village Industries sector exceeded Rs 1.87 lakh crore, while the sector has provided employment to over 2.04 crore people. He expressed confidence that, in the near future, the sector will achieve a turnover target of Rs 2.51 lakh crore.
The ‘Khadi Diwali Fest-2026,’ which commenced on October 31, offers a special discount of 20 percent on Khadi products and 10 percent on Village Industry products. This festival reinforces the message that this Diwali, we should not only light *diyas* (lamps) in our homes but also spread the light of joy in the lives of millions of artisans and rural families across the country by embracing Khadi and Swadeshi products.