New Delhi, Oct 25 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appealed to the countrymen to buy local products while purchasing items from the market for festivals.

Addressing his monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' radio programme, the Prime Minister said, 'Friends, when we talk about festivals and make preparations for them, the first thought that strikes us is when to go to the market, what all has to be purchased. Children especially are enthusiastic about it, wondering what they would receive this time in the festival season.'

Mr Modi said, 'The fervour of festivals and the glitter and sparkle of the marketplace are interconnected. But this time when you go shopping, do remember our resolve of 'Vocal for Local'. While purchasing items from the market, we have to accord priority to local products.'

Giving the example of Khadi, the Prime Minister said, 'My dear countrymen, today when we are going vocal for local, the whole world are also becoming a fan of our local products. Many of our local products have the potential of becoming global. One such example is Khadi. Khadi has remained

a symbol of simplicity over a long period of time but now our khadi is getting known as an eco friendly fabric. In terms of health, this is a body friendly fabric, an all weather fabric and now it has also become a fashion statement.'

Mr Modi said not only is the popularity of khadi rising it is also being produced in many places of the world.

'There is a place in Mexico called Oaxaca, there are many villages in this area where the local villagers weave khadi. Today the khadi of this place has gained popularity by the name Oaxaca khaadi,' the Prime Minister said.

'How khadi reached Oaxaca is no less interesting. In fact a young person of Oaxaca, Mark Brown once watched a movie on Mahatma Gandhi. Brown got so inspired by watching this movie on Bapu that he visited Bapu's ashram in India, understood him and learnt about him in depth. It was then, that Brown realised that khadi was not just a cloth; it was a complete way of life,' Mr Modi said.

'Brown was deeply moved by the way khadi was intertwined with the rural economy and self sufficiency. It was here that Brown resolved to work on khadi on his return to Mexico. He introduced the villagers of Oaxaca in Mexico to khadi and trained them. And now Oaxaca khadi has become a brand,' the Prime Minister said.

Talking about 'Mallakhambh', the Prime Minister said, 'My dear countrymen, when we take pride in our own things, the world's curiosity around them also grows – Just like our spirituality, Yoga, Ayurveda has attracted the whole world. Many of our indigenous sports also attract attention the world over. Nowadays our Mallakhambh too is gaining popularity in many countries.'

'When Chinmay Patankar and Pragya Patankar decided to teach Mallakhambh out of their home in America, little did they know how successful it would be. Mallakhambh training centers are running at many locations across America. A large number of American Youth are joining and learning Mallakhambh. Be it Germany, Poland or Malaysia - Mallakhambh is becoming popular

in around 20 other countries. And now, its World Championship has also been started which sees participants from many countries,' Mr Modi said.

'Ancient India had many such sports which would bring about extraordinary growth within oneself - they give new dimensions to our mind and body balance,' the Prime Minister said.

'However, probably our young friends of the new generation are not that acquainted with Mallakhambh. Do search more about it on the internet and see for yourself,' Mr Modi said.

'Friends, our country has many forms of martial arts. I would like our young friends to know more about them learn them and over the course of time bring about innovations in the same. When there are no major challenges to face in one's life, the best of one's personality also fails to surface – hence always keep on challenging yourselves,' the Prime Minister said.

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