Lucknow: The state government of Uttar Pradesh has announced a 25 % discount on every khadi item as part of the celebrations for Mahatma Gandhi’s 157th birth anniversary. The scheme will run up to 30 January 2027.

Yogi Adityanath Champions a Khadi Revival

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed to residents to make khadi a staple in their wardrobes and to support the men and women who spin, weave, and finish these fabrics. He reminded listeners that khadi is more than a cloth; it embodies the nation’s struggle for freedom and the principle of self‑reliance.

Floral Tribute to Two National Icons

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

He urged the public to follow the values they represented—devotion to nation‑building, humility, and unwavering public service.

Swadeshi at the Heart of the Freedom Fight

Marking Gandhi’s 157th and Shastri’s 122nd birthdays, Yogi highlighted how the swadeshi principle—preferring home‑grown goods— became a rallying cry against colonial oppression. Under Gandhi’s guidance, the quest for self‑sufficiency transformed a political demand into a mass movement.

The chief minister emphasized that Gandhi’s call for self‑reliance remains relevant today, linking the promotion of indigenous products to a broader vision of taking Indian crafts from village markets to the world stage.

Boosting Rural Artisans and Weavers

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

Remembering Shastri’s Simplicity and Resolve

Describing Lal Bahadur Shastri as a model of modesty, determination, 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 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 motivate soldiers, farmers, and citizens alike, underscoring the enduring connection between national defence and agricultural prosperity.