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

Yogi Adityanath Calls for a Khadi Renaissance

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

A Floral Tribute to Two National Icons

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

He urged the public to follow the values they championed – devotion to nation‑building, humility, and steadfast public service.

Swadeshi’s Pivotal Role in the Freedom Fight

Marking Gandhi’s 157th and Shastri’s 122nd birthdays, Yogi highlighted how the swadeshi principle – the use of indigenous goods – became a rallying cry against colonial rule. Under Gandhi’s guidance, the quest for self‑sufficiency transformed a political movement into a mass uprising.

The chief minister emphasized that Gandhi’s message of self‑reliance still resonates, linking the promotion of domestic products to a broader vision of taking Indian crafts from village bazaars to global markets.

Boosting Rural Artisans and Weavers

Yogi stressed the importance of expanding market access for village‑made items, arguing that heightened demand for handcrafted goods can elevate the livelihoods of artisans, handicraft workers, and weavers.

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

Shastri Remembered for Simplicity and Determination

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

“Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” – A Timeless Rallying Cry

Yogi reflected on Shastri’s leadership during the 1965 war, when soldiers defended 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, underscoring the enduring bond between national defence and agricultural prosperity.