Prime minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Gujarat. Modi made an address at the “Khadi Utsav” on the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
He stated “the banks of Sabarmati are blessed today. On the occasion of 75 years of Independence, 7,500 women simultaneously weave cotton. It was my good luck to also try my hand at the charkha.”
He elucidated that it was an emotional moment for him and it reminded him of his childhood.
He further said, “My mother used to weave cotton with all of this equipment in one corner of our house. That image has entered my mind.
While addressing the ‘Khadi Utsav,’ he stated “Charkha played a major role in our freedom movement. The same vibes I’m getting today on the banks of Sabarmati River. I’m sure that all those present can feel the energy of Khadi Utsav.”
He also talked about the essence of the “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav,” in the ‘Khadi Utsav’ by stating “In Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, we have given homage to the freedom fighters through Khadi Mahotsav.”
While virtually inaugurating the Atal Bridge, he congratulated the people of Ahmedabad and said “Not only does the Atal Bridge connect two banks of the Sabarmati River, but it is also unique in its design and engineering. Kite Festival was taken into account in its design. Gujarat was very fond of Atalji. Atalji fought from Gandhinagar in 1996 and won by a record margin. The bridge is a tribute to Atalji.”
Adding further on the “Khadi Utsav”, he stated “Khadi Utsav serves as a reminder of our struggle for freedom and a motivator for us to persevere. Gujarat has a special relationship with Khadi. I am pleased that Gujarat has worked to revitalise Khadi. A total of 1.75 million new job opportunities have been created. Green khadi is produced in Gujarat, where the charkha is powered by solar energy. As a result, Gujarat is once again paving the way.”
Continuing his crusade of Women empowerment which he declared over his address at the Red Fort, New Delhi, on August 15, he said,” Woman power is driving the transformation; our mothers and daughters are entrepreneurs who run Sakhi mandals. We had launched Mission Mangalam. There are approximately 2.6 lakh Swayam Sahayata Samuh. The initiative involves approximately 26 lakh women.”
He further added, “The government is assisting them in two ways. Women will have the greatest impact; our goal is to get as many women as possible to work and do what they want to do. The Mudra scheme plays a significant role in this. Women used to have to go from pillar to post to get loans. However, they can now easily obtain loans ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 10 lakh. Over Crores have borrowed money to start their own business.”
He concluded his address at the Khadi Utsav by paying respect to the mothers and sisters who work on charkha in Gujarati, and also said “The Amrit Mahotsav had begun near the Sabarmati Ashram. It would last until 2023. During this time, we must organise similar events to familiarise our new generation with our freedom movement.”
Read more: PM Modi on two-day Gujarat visit
