Several politicians and activists have joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for austerity measures, the latest being social activist, banker and wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Amruta Fadnavis.
Singer and artist Amruta Fadnavis said she was invited to walk the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, but skipped the event due to Prime Minister Modi’s call for austerity.
She also stated that although Paithani – a silk saree originating from the town of Paithan in Maharashtra – was already designed for her to showcase Maharashtrian heritage on the global stage, she decided to put ‘nation first’.
“I have been invited by the prestigious Cannes Film Festival to walk the red carpet and represent Maharashtra and Maharashtrian heritage and culture at the festival,” Amruta said.
“However, with the austerity measures announced by our honorable Prime Minister, including measures to avoid international travel, I felt it was important that we put our nation first,” she added.
Read also | Devendra Fadnavis rides a Bullitt, Shinde rides an electric car, and other Maha ministers walk after PM Modi’s austerity drive
Amruta said it was not an “easy decision,” adding that “the artisans worked tirelessly for three months” to design the handloom Bettani with Muniya Sheela.
“But when the nation calls, we must always stand by it with sincerity and conviction. I express my profound gratitude to every craftsman, designer and well-wisher who made this beautiful endeavor possible. The red carpet can wait,” Amruta said. The nation always comes first.”
‘Austerity’ call made by PM Modi, political leaders adopt measures
Prime Minister Modi had last week appealed to Indians to reduce fuel consumption and not buy any gold for a year, among other things as part of austerity measures amid the US-Iran war in West Asia and its impact on India.
Several state governments launched these measures after Prime Minister Modi’s appeal, restricting the use of procession vehicles for chief ministers, ministers and heads of state-run bodies, besides imposing restrictions on foreign travel at government expense.
The Supreme Court on Friday ordered mandatory virtual hearings on Mondays and Fridays in June and July, while also allowing up to 50% of registration staff to work from home two days a week. The Supreme Court judges also decided to use cars to reduce fuel consumption.
In Uttar Pradesh, senior officials promoted eco-friendly mobility by cycling and walking to offices. UP CM Yogi Adityanath had earlier this week directed an immediate 50 per cent reduction in official convoys across the state and urged wider use of public transport. Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu reduced the size of his official motorcade by more than half. The governors of several states also reduced the size of their convoys in line with the Prime Minister’s call.
