Even Lord Ganesh idols imported says PM Modi, urges citizens to reject foreign goods

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a fervent appeal on Tuesday to all Indians to embrace indigenous products, especially during traditional festivals, as part of a broader push for self-reliance under the ‘Make in India’ vision. Speaking in Gujarat, he expressed concern over India’s dependence on imported goods—even for deeply cultural and religious items like Ganesh idols.

Highlighting the infiltration of cheap Chinese goods into Indian markets, PM Modi took a veiled swipe, saying, “Even Ganesh idols come from abroad, small-eyed Ganesh idols whose eyes don't even open properly.” He stressed that items such as Holi colours, firecrackers, toys, and even hairpins and combs used daily are often foreign-made.

He called upon shopkeepers and village traders to pledge that they would stop selling foreign products, even at the cost of profits. “Let us strengthen our artisans and manufacturers by making local purchases a point of pride,” Modi urged.

Going beyond consumer behaviour, PM Modi linked the economic effort with national security, stating that building a strong, self-reliant economy is also the citizen’s duty. “If we want to save India, to make India grow, then Operation Sindoor is not just for the armed forces. It’s a shared responsibility of 104 crore citizens,” he said.

The Prime Minister also encouraged people to conduct a self-audit of their daily usage, asking them to list out all foreign-made products they use in 24 hours. He said the exercise would make the extent of reliance on imports shockingly clear and hopefully inspire change.