Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reiterated his call to reduce the use of petrol and diesel, encourage work from home and virtual meetings, and avoid non-essential foreign spending such as buying gold and traveling abroad, citing the unstable global situation caused by tensions in West Asia.
Addressing a large gathering in Vadodara after inaugurating Sardar Dham Hostel, also known as Sardardham-3 or Dushyant and Daksha Patel Complex, the Prime Minister urged citizens to treat these measures as a patriotic duty.
Modi said that the global situation has put pressure on India’s economy and resources. “In the past few years, the world has gone through a series of uncertainties. First, the Covid-19 crisis, then global economic challenges, and now the growing tension in West Asia. All these situations are affecting the entire world, and India is unaffected.”
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He said India had resisted many crises earlier through public engagement and called for similar action now. “Nowadays, the country needs strong public engagement. As Indian citizens, we have to prioritize our duties.”
“I also discussed this matter yesterday in Karnataka and Telangana. Today, in Gujarat, I once again reiterate my resolve,” he added.
The Prime Minister focused on fuel consumption and import dependence. “I appeal to every citizen of my country. Reduce the use of gasoline and diesel wherever possible. Use the metro, use electric buses and public transportation more. Increase the use of shared cars.”
He linked the call to the disruption of global oil supplies. “A large portion of India’s imports are crude oil. Unfortunately, the region from which most of the world’s oil is sourced, today is the same region in a state of conflict and war.”
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Modi also urged changes in work patterns and use of technology. “Digital technology has made things much easier. It is important to prioritize virtual meetings and working from home in both government and private offices. I will also ask some schools to operate online classes for a period of time.”
Regarding the outflow of foreign exchange, citizens were asked to avoid certain expenses. “The country spends a lot of foreign currency on gold. I would like to request all citizens of the country that until the situation returns to normal, we should avoid buying gold.”
He spoke out against travel and events abroad. “Why should they go abroad for vacations? Summer vacation is coming. They are going abroad for vacations. The wedding ceremony… and even on this, a lot of foreign currency is spent.” People were asked to prefer local sites. “Isn’t there a place in India where we can celebrate our holidays… It is important that we celebrate our holidays in India. Even for weddings, I don’t think there can be a better place for us than India.”
He also asked the gathering to hold weddings at Ekta Nagar near the Statue of Unity (SoU) so that they can seek the blessings of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The Prime Minister called for enhancing the consumption of local goods. “Instead of foreign goods, we should adopt local products. We should give strength to our villages, cities and industries.”
He also talked about agricultural practices. “We should not kill our motherland with chemical fertilizers… Tell every farmer brother and sister about the path to freedom from chemical fertilizers. Take them towards natural agriculture.”
This was his second appeal in as many days. Modi on Sunday urged Indians to adopt austerity measures ranging from cutting fuel consumption, postponing travel abroad, limiting the use of edible oil and avoiding buying gold.
His statements came at a time when the government is facing the economic repercussions of the ongoing global energy crisis and rising crude oil prices. Modi has framed the appeal as a national duty at a time when India imports more than 88% of the crude oil it processes and supply chains remain under pressure amid conflict in West Asia.
“At this time of global crisis, we have to take a decision that makes duty a priority and fulfill it with full dedication,” Modi said in Hyderabad on Sunday. “The big solution is to use petrol and diesel in moderation. We should limit our use of petrol and diesel. In cities with metro lines, we should decide to travel by metro only. If we have to use a car, we should try to use shared cars.”
On Monday, Modi participated in a major roadshow from Gada constituency (Harni Gada constituency) to the airport.
The nearly 1.5 km long trail is decorated with lights, cultural panels, LED screens and stages showcasing Gujarat’s rich heritage.
This visit to Vadodara came on the heels of his morning program at the historic Somnath Temple, where he participated in the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the temple’s reconstruction.
