Saying that many of India’s local products have the potential to go global, PM Modi lauded khadi as the hallmark of our simplicity. He said that khadi, which is known today as an eco-friendly fabric, is also a “body-friendly fabric”. To support his point about its popularity, he mentioned Oaxaca Khadi, which started after a young man, Mark Brown, was so impressed with Gandhiji, that he went to Mexico and started Khadi work.

PM Modi also mentioned that many technology-based experiments have taken place in the country during the lockdown, citing the example of Farm Fresh, which was created by women in Jharkhand. The app, at a small level, can be used by people to ask for fresh vegetables at home. The PM appealed to the people to use technology in such ways.

PM Modi then spoke of Pulwama playing an important role in “teaching the whole country”. He said that the Kashmir Valley supplies about 90 percent of the ‘pencil-slate’ demanded by the entire country and that Pulwama has a stake in it. The PM said that the country had to import pencil wood from abroad earlier, but Pulwama is making India self-sufficient in this regard.

PM Modi also asked people to remember the nation’s soldiers during the festivities and “light a ‘diya’ in honour of these bravehearts”.

The Prime Minister also remembered Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and his sense of humour. The PM said, “Just imagine the image of the Iron Man, who was talking to the ‘Raje-Rajwads’ and managing the mass movement. Amidst all this, his sense of humour was in full colour.” The PM said that no matter how bad a situation is, the person should keep his sense of humour alive.

Prime Minister Modi further said, “Our country is one, but there are forces which have been trying to sow the seeds of doubt in our mind. The country has given a befitting reply to such people.” Modi asked people to see the website ekbharat.gov.in which promotes the unity of the country.

PM Modi also paid tribute to Indira Gandhi on the program. “On 31st October, we lost former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. I respectfully offer tributes to her,” he said.