Khadi, Handloom Sales Rising: Odisha’s Sambalpuri Saree Finds Special Mention In PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narandra Modi mentioned about Sambalpuri saree of Odisha while speaking about efforts of artisans across the country to popularise handloom.

“Work of handloom artisans are popular in every corner of the country. The way handloom products have made a significant place in people’s hearts is truly remarkable,” the PM said in his the 112th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’.

Reminding about National Handloom Day celebration on August 7, Modi said that many private companies are also promoting handloom products and sustainable fashion through AI. “Kosha AI, Handloom India, D-Junk, Novatax, Brahmaputra Fables, many such start-ups are also engaged in making handloom products popular. I am also happy to see that many people are engaged in making such local products of their place popular. You too can upload your local products on social media with the name ‘Hashtag My Product My Pride’. This small effort of yours will change the lives of many people,” he said.

The Prime Minister further said that turnover of Khadi Village Industries has surpassed Rs 1.5 lakh crore for the first time, with Khadi sales increasing by 400%. “This surge in sales is also generating numerous new employment opportunities. As most of the workers in this industry are women, they are the ones reaping the maximum benefits. I urge you once more… you must have many types of clothes, and if you have not bought Khadi clothes till now, start from this year.”

PARIS OLYMPICS

PM Modi urged the nation to support Paris Olympics athletes. “In the entire world, Paris Olympic is all over there at this point of time. Our players have the opportunity to let our tricolour at the world level, they have this opportunity to do something for the country. You all should encourage them.”

CHARAIDEO MAIDAM 

PM Moid announced that Charaideo Maidam of Assam is being added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. It will be India’s 43rd site and the first from the Northeast.

“With Charaideo Maidam now a World Heritage Site, it will attract more tourism. Charaideo means a shining city on the hills. It was the first capital of the Ahom dynasty. The people of the Ahom dynasty traditionally kept the mortal remains of their ancestors and their valuables in the Moidams. I encourage you to include this site in your future travel plans. On March 9 of this year, I had the honour of unveiling the tallest statue of the great Ahom warrior Lachit Borphukan.”

FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE

Modi urged people and organisations working towards making India ‘drugs free’ to make full use of MANAS Helpline. 

“I have often discussed with you the challenge of the drug menace. Every family is worried that their child might get caught in the grip of drugs. Now to help such people, the government has opened a special centre, named – ‘Manas’. The government has issued a toll-free number ‘1933’. Anyone can call on this number to get necessary advice or information related to rehabilitation. If anyone has any other information related to drugs, they can also share it with the Narcotics Control Bureau by calling on this number. All information shared with MANAS is kept confidential,” he said.

TIGER DAY

The PM also praised tiger conservation efforts across the country. “Tiger Day will be celebrated all over the world tomorrow. In India, Tigers have been an integral part of our culture. We all have grown up listening to stories of incidents related to tigers. In the villages around forests, everyone knows how to live in harmony with the tiger. In our country, there are many villages where there is no conflict between humans and tigers. But where such a situation arises, unprecedented efforts are being made for the protection of tigers there as well. One such effort of public participation is Kulhadi Band Panchayat. This campaign that started from Ranthambor of Rajasthan is very interesting. The local communities themselves have taken an oath that they will not go to the forest with axes and will not cut trees. Due to this one decision, the forests here are becoming green once again, and a better environment is being created for the tigers,” he said.

MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD 

PM Modi celebrates India’s top 5 finish at International Mathematics Olympiad. “A few days ago, the Olympics have also taken place in the world of mathematics – the International Mathematics Olympiad. Youth from more than 100 countries participated in the International Mathematics Olympiad and in the overall tally, our team has been successful in reaching the top five,” he said.

HAR GHAR TIRANGA

Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan’ has become a unique festival in upholding the glory of the Tricolour, said Modi while urging the citizens to resume the campaign ahead of Independence Day on August 15. 

“Be it the poor… the rich… small households, big households, everyone feels proud waving the Tricolour. There is also a craze of taking selfies with the Tricolour and posting them on social media. You must have noticed that when the Tricolour flutters atop each house of the colony or society, within no time the Tricolour starts appearing on other houses as well. Some people even distribute the ‘Tricolour’ among their friends and neighbours. This joy, this enthusiasm with the Tricolour connects us with each other.”

“Every year before August 15, you send me a lot of your suggestions. You must send me your suggestions this year as well. You can also send your suggestions on MyGov or NaMo App. I will try to cover as many suggestions as possible in the August 15 address,” he added.