Lucknow: In honor of Mahatma Gandhi’s 157th birth anniversary, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced a blanket 25 % discount on every khadi product. The reduced rates will remain in effect until 30 January 2027.

Yogi Adityanath Urges a Khadi Renaissance

The chief minister appealed to residents to make khadi a staple of daily attire and to support the men and women who spin, weave, and tailor these fabrics. He reminded listeners that khadi is not merely cloth; it embodies the spirit of India’s freedom struggle and the principle of self‑reliance.

A Floral Tribute to Two National Icons

On Gandhi Jayanti, Yogi placed fresh blossoms at the statue of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna laureate Lal Bahadur Shastri inside Lucknow’s Annex Building, honouring both leaders simultaneously.

He urged the public to emulate the values they stood for—devotion to nation‑building, humility, and unwavering service.

Swadeshi’s Pivotal Role in the Fight for Independence

Marking Gandhi’s 157th and Shastri’s 122nd birthdays, the chief minister highlighted how the swadeshi doctrine—using indigenous goods—became a rallying cry against colonial rule. Under Gandhi’s guidance, the quest for self‑sufficiency transformed a political demand into a mass movement.

Yogi stressed that Gandhi’s message of self‑reliance remains relevant, linking the promotion of home‑grown products to a broader vision of taking Indian crafts from village bazaars to global markets.

Boosting Rural Artisans and Weavers

The CM emphasized the need to expand market access for village‑made items, arguing that heightened demand for handcrafted goods can uplift the economic status of artisans, handicraft workers, and weavers.

He portrayed the adoption of indigenous products as a fitting homage to the freedom fighters who championed self‑sufficiency.

Shastri Remembered for Simplicity and Resolve

Describing Lal Bahadur Shastri as a model of modesty, determination, and public duty, Yogi recalled the former prime minister’s relentless focus on food security and his encouragement of the armed forces.

“Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” – An Enduring Rallying Cry

The chief minister reflected on Shastri’s leadership during the 1965 war, when soldiers guarded the nation’s borders while farmers secured grain reserves. He noted that today India can feed more than 1.4 billion people and even export food grains abroad.

The slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” continues to inspire soldiers, farmers, and citizens alike, reinforcing the timeless link between national defence and agricultural prosperity.