"Khadi and handloom have transformed the lives of the poorest of the poor and are emerging as a powerful means of empowering them. It is playing a very important role for 'gramodaya'," the prime minister said during his 'Mann Ki Baat' monthly radio address.
During this Diwali, khadi gift coupon sales recorded an overwhelming 680% rise. Compared to last year, the total sale of khadi and handicrafts have risen "almost" by 90%, the prime minister said.
On Dhanteras (October 17), the Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan store in Delhi witnessed a record sale of Rs 1.20 crore.
"My dear countrymen, 'Mann - Ki - Baat' has garnered accolades. It has also attracted criticism. But whenever I look at the overall outcome of 'Mann Ki Baat', it reinforces my belief, that it is intrinsically inseparably woven into the warp and weft of our common citizens' lives, cent per cent. Take the examples of khadi and handloom," the prime minister said.
Modi said he has always advocated the use of handloom and Khadi.
"What has it led to? One can clearly see that today, the youth, the elderly, women, in fact, every age group is taking to khadi and handloom. With my recent experience I can say that after khadi for nation and Khadi for fashion now, it is becoming Khadi for transformation," he added.
While responding to a request for sharing his experiences of celebrating Diwali with soldiers in Jammu & Kashmir, the prime minister hailed the soldiers.
"Many of us may not be aware that the soldiers play an important role not only on our borders but in establishing peace across the globe. Presently, about 7000 Indian soldiers are associated with UN peacekeeping initiatives, which is the third highest number of soldiers from any country," he said.
During his radio talk, Modi remembered former prime minister Indira Gandhi who was assassinated on October 31, 1984.
He also gave a call to the nation to participate in the "Run for Unity" event to be organised across the country to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on October 31.
