Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan administers pledge to ‘adopt Swadeshi’
“If 1.44 billion Indians start adopting Swadeshi, our economy will grow stronger — that is living for the nation”: Shri Shivraj Singh
“Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is making its voice heard strongly in the world; now is the time for all of us to adopt Swadeshi”: Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh
Signaling a major stride towards the nation’s self-reliance, the Government of India today laid the foundation stone for the ₹1,800-crore ‘Brahma–BEML Rail Manufacturing Hub’, to be established in Umaria village of Obedullaganj, within Bhojpur Assembly of the Vidisha Parliamentary Constituency in Madhya Pradesh. Union Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, local MP and Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, and several dignitaries were present at the event, while Railways Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw joined virtually. This modern plant will offer world-class facilities for the design, manufacture, assembly, and testing of trains such as Vande Bharat and metro coaches, along with defence products.
‘Pledge to Adopt Swadeshi’ — Shri Shivraj Singh’s clarion call
At the event, Union Minister for Rural Development, and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, administered a pledge to the large gathering to “adopt Swadeshi (indigenous good)”. He said, “From now on, whether it’s food, clothing, oil, shampoo, or cosmetics — whatever we buy for our homes will be made in India. If 1.44 billion Indians start adopting Swadeshi, our economy will become stronger. This is what it means to live for the country.”
Shri Chouhan reiterated Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s call for an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), stressing that India must become the world’s third-largest economy, and for that, everyone must embrace Swadeshi. He added, “Everyone lives for themselves, but a true citizen is the one who lives for the nation. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India is making its voice heard strongly across the world, and now is the time for all of us to adopt Swadeshi together.”
‘Farmers’ interests are paramount’ — No compromise
Reassuring farmers, Shri Chouhan said that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, there will be no international agreement that harms farmers’ interests. “The Prime Minister has made it clear that even if a personal price has to be paid, the interests of farmers, fishermen, and livestock rearers will be safeguarded. Agreements with major countries will only be in the national interest,” he said.
Regional development and new employment opportunities
Shri Chouhan expressed pride in the industrial growth of Umaria and surrounding areas, noting that the Mandideep industrial area hosts 752 operational units, with exports worth about ₹20,000 crore. With the establishment of this rail manufacturing hub, the region’s economic pace will accelerate. He informed that over 5,000 local youth will get employment opportunities, and the MSME sector will also receive a boost.
“Since childhood, I have undertaken foot marches and bicycle tours in this area. Today’s gift will ensure the region progresses by leaps and bounds,” Shri Chouhan said emotionally. He described the foundation laying ceremony not merely as the start of an industrial project, but also as a convergence of national interest, the boost to the ‘Swadeshi’ initiative, and youth empowerment.
