Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, Y. Patton, on Monday launched the “Atmanirbhar Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan,” a 90-day national campaign aimed at promoting self-reliance by encouraging the use of local and indigenous products. The initiative, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, seeks to strengthen the economy through grassroots support for Indian goods.

Speaking at the launch event held at the BJP headquarters in Kohima, Patton highlighted the historical importance of the Swadeshi movement, recalling its role in India’s freedom struggle under leaders like Mahatma Gandhi. He said the concept of Swadeshi has expanded beyond traditional crafts and khadi to modern sectors such as defence technology, semiconductors, Indian languages, and cultural heritage.

Patton noted that local industries had faced challenges post-independence due to reliance on Western models of development. He credited the revival of the Swadeshi spirit initiated by Dattopant Thengadi in 1964 for fostering economic independence, aligning the campaign with recent initiatives like Make in India and Startup India.

The campaign is built on three pillars: Swadeshi (supporting Indian products), Swabhasha (promoting Indian languages), and Swabhusha (preserving heritage and aesthetics), with the objective of advancing India toward a developed nation. Patton highlighted ongoing projects such as defence indigenisation, the One District One Product scheme, and digital commerce platforms as key elements of the movement.

As part of the campaign, nationwide programs including online quizzes, essay competitions, trade and cultural seminars, and Swadeshi fairs are planned to raise awareness and encourage public participation. The Deputy Chief Minister urged citizens to embrace Swadeshi as a collective duty and a tribute to India’s civilization, encouraging everyone to take the Swadeshi pledge in villages, homes, and communities across Nagaland.