Kishan Suryavanshi, Chairman of the Municipal Corporation, speaking as the Chief Guest at the ‘Swadeshi Mela’ held at Motilal Vigyan Mahavidyalaya, declared that Swadeshi is the solid foundation of a self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat). He emphasised that reviving the culture of local production and consumption is essential for the country to become an economic superpower. In his address, he referenced the historical era when India was known as the ‘Golden Bird’ (Sone ki Chidiya), noting that the country then had a strong tradition of barter system and its economy was not dependent on foreign goods. Suryavanshi stressed that excessive reliance on foreign imports today poses the greatest threat to India’s economic stability.Suryavanshi paid tribute to the ideological and organizational contributions of Dattopant Thengadi, the founder of the Swadeshi Jagran Manch, stating that his movement symbolized cultural and intellectual freedom. The Municipal Corporation Chairman expressed deep concern over the rampant use of foreign materials during Indian festivals, calling it ‘fatal’ for the country’s micro and cottage economy. He pointed out that buying Swadeshi directly empowers poor artisans and small craftsmen. He urged citizens to transform every festival into a ‘Festival of Self-Reliance’ (Aatmanirbharta ka Parv).