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Modi calls on Indians to support local artisans during festival season

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to purchase from grassroots artisans as India enters the festive season. The appeal came during the 139th edition of his monthly radio address, which also highlighted conservation efforts and community-led initiatives across the country.

LSN India · 26 October 2026

Modi calls on Indians to support local artisans during festival season

In his latest Mann Ki Baat broadcast, PM Modi emphasised the economic and cultural significance of supporting India's traditional craftspeople during the festive months when consumer spending typically peaks. The appeal underscores the government's broader push to promote local enterprises and handicraft sectors that employ millions of artisans across rural and semi-urban areas.

Beyond the focus on local commerce, the 139th edition of the monthly programme covered a wide range of grassroots initiatives demonstrating India's commitment to conservation and sustainable development. The broadcast highlighted traditional farming practices that balance productivity with environmental stewardship, reflecting renewed interest in indigenous agricultural knowledge systems.

The programme also showcased scientific research being conducted at the community level, spotlighting citizen-led environmental and agricultural projects. These segments illustrated how ordinary Indians are contributing to national development goals through innovation and conservation efforts rooted in their local contexts.

Mann Ki Baat, which translates to "Conversation with the Heart," has become a platform for Modi to connect directly with citizens on issues ranging from national development to cultural preservation. The monthly radio address typically reaches millions of listeners across India and the diaspora, making it an effective channel for promoting government initiatives and social messaging.