Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a flat 25 % reduction on every khadi product to mark Mahatma Gandhi’s 157th birth anniversary. The promotional price will remain in force up to 30 January 2027.

Yogi Adityanath Champions a Khadi Renaissance

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed to the people of the state to make khadi a daily wardrobe staple and to stand behind the men and women who spin, weave, and stitch these iconic fabrics. He reminded listeners that khadi is not merely a cloth; it embodies the spirit of the freedom struggle and the principle of self‑reliance.

A 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 together.

He urged the public to emulate the values these figures stood for – unwavering dedication to nation‑building, humility, and selfless public service.

Swadeshi at the Heart of the Independence Fight

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

The chief minister stressed that Gandhi’s message of self‑reliance remains highly 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

Yogi emphasized the necessity of expanding market access for village‑produced items, arguing that heightened demand for handcrafted goods can elevate the economic standing of artisans, handicraft workers, and weavers.

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

Shastri Remembered for Simplicity and Resolve

Describing Lal Bahadur Shastri as the epitome 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” – An Enduring Rallying Cry

Yogi reflected on Shastri’s leadership during the 1965 war, when soldiers defended the nation’s borders while farmers worked to secure 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 connection between national defence and agricultural prosperity.