Swadeshi Mela, a symbol of self-reliance: CM

Chief Minister Professor (Dr) Manik Saha on Friday said the Swadeshi Mela is not merely a commercial or cultural event but a powerful symbol of self-reliance, promotion of indigenous products, preservation of cultural heritage and economic self-sufficiency.

Inaugurating the first edition of Swadeshi Mela 2026 at Swami Vivekananda Maidan here, organised by the Agartala Municipal Corporation, the Chief Minister said the state government has been working relentlessly to translate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for ‘Vocal for Local’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat into reality.

He described Atmanirbhar Bharat as a people’s movement rather than a slogan, where every citizen can contribute to national development by using locally made products.

Saha said the Prime Minister has repeatedly emphasised that India has become self-sufficient in many sectors and it is the moral responsibility of citizens to use goods that are produced within the country. This, he added, would help achieve the goal of building a developed India by 2047.

Agartala Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder said the fair will continue till January 11, 2026, with the objective of promoting indigenous products in line with the ‘Vocal for Local’ vision. MP Rajib Bhattacharjee also called upon people to actively support the movement towards self-reliance.