PM Narendra Modi encourages people to go ‘local’ this Diwali

Addressing an inauguration ceremony in Varanasi via video conferencing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged people to go ‘Local for Diwali’ and purchase locally-made items from neighbouring craftsmen. He also gifted over 30 development projects to his constituency, including the ones related to agriculture, tourism and infrastructure. 

“Nowadays, along with ‘Vocal for Local’, the echo of ‘#Local4Diwali’ mantra is everywhere. When every person will proudly buy local goods, it will reach new people that how good our local products are,” Modi said.

Meanwhile, inaugurating various projects for the development of Varanasi, Modi said, “I congratulate the residents of Varanasi on the inauguration of development projects here. It is an example of overall development of Varanasi,” reported ANI.

The total cost of these projects is Rs 614 crore, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Also read: Work for providing ‘ease of living’ to people: PM Modi to IIT students

The prime minister also interacted with some of the beneficiaries of these projects during the event through video conferencing. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also present during the inauguration. 

During the event, the prime minister also laid the foundation stone for projects including the redevelopment of Dashashwamedh Ghat and Khidkiya Ghat.

“Today, there are 48 daily flights to Varanasi. With improving connectivity, the number of people visiting the place is also rising. A tourist plaza at the Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi will facilitate the tourists,” Modi informed.

Also read: PM Modi urges Bihar to re-elect Nitish Kumar, says he ‘needs’ him

The exhaustive list of the projects inaugurated includes up-gradation of Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital Ramnagar, sewerage related works, infrastructure facilities for protection and conservation of cows, a housing complex for players in Sampurnanand Stadium, multipurpose seed storehouse and Sarnath Light and Sound show.