India has achieved complete self-reliance across agriculture, industry and technology, says Minister Ratan Lal Nath at Swadeshi Mela 2026, highlighting Vocal for Local, SHG empowerment and India’s transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India has emerged as a confident, self-reliant nation that no longer depends on others for its growth and development, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath said on Saturday while addressing the Swadeshi Mela 2026 at Swami Vivekananda Maidan.
Speaking before a large gathering of citizens, entrepreneurs, farmers, women Self Help Group members and youth, Nath said the transformation India is witnessing today is the result of decisive leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, coupled with the collective effort of the people.
“Today, India confidently says ‘we can do it.’ This confidence is reflected in every stall and every initiative showcased at the Swadeshi Mela. There was a time when India had to listen to others. Today, India speaks, and the world listens,” the minister said.
Self-Reliance Across All Sectors
Ratan Lal Nath emphasized that India has achieved self-reliance across critical sectors including agriculture, industry, science, technology, and innovation. He said the country’s growth story is no longer dependent on external support but is driven by domestic capability, local enterprise and indigenous knowledge.
“India is different today. It is not only progressing but also guiding the world with its development model,” he said, highlighting how homegrown industries and local production have strengthened the national economy.
According to the minister, this transformation has been powered by the relentless hard work of farmers, the dedication of workers, the competence and creativity of the youth, and the silent but powerful role played by mothers and women across the country.
Swadeshi Products and Economic Growth
Stressing the importance of using Swadeshi products, Nath said choosing locally made goods ensures that money circulates within the country, strengthens domestic industries and helps reduce poverty.
“We do not want a kind of politics that ignores farmers, workers or youth. We want politics that creates industries in villages, empowers women, and provides meaningful employment to young people,” he said.
He described the Swadeshi Mela as a living example of this vision, where local producers, artisans, entrepreneurs and Self Help Groups come together to showcase India’s growing self-reliant ecosystem.
“Swadeshi does not mean isolation. Swadeshi means moving forward with confidence, standing on our own strength,” Nath added.
Vocal for Local Showing Strong Results
Highlighting the success of the Vocal for Local initiative, the minister said Tripura’s Swadeshi platform has witnessed remarkable growth over the years.
Sales through the platform stood at Rs 8.69 crore in 2024–25 and Rs 7.77 crore in 2025–26, a significant jump from the pre-2018 average annual sales of around Rs 3.50 crore. The figures, he said, reflect increasing public trust in locally produced goods and the growing strength of indigenous enterprises.
Empowering Self Help Groups
Ratan Lal Nath also shared data on the expansion of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in Tripura, calling it a true symbol of grassroots self-reliance.
The state currently has 54,627 Self Help Groups with a total membership of 4.89 lakh people, most of them women. Before 2018, only 3,506 groups had received revolving funds totaling Rs 4.26 crore. Under the present government, Rs 75 crore has been extended to 36,530 groups.
“This is the real meaning of self-reliance and the true spirit of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’,” the minister said, urging citizens to support SHGs, startups and local entrepreneurs by choosing Swadeshi products in their daily lives.
Leaders Present at the Event
Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, Panchayat Minister Kishor Barman, Chief Whip and MLA Kalyani Saha Roy, Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, along with senior officials and public representatives, were present at the event.
| Also Read: TGB Wins Prestigious SKOCH Award 2025 |
The Swadeshi Mela 2026 concluded with a strong message of confidence, unity and commitment to building a self-reliant India powered by local strength and national resolve.
