New Delhi: Yoga icon Baba Ramdev unleashed a blistering call to arms on Friday, urging Indians to shun foreign goods this Diwali and embrace swadeshi to fortify the nation against “tariff terrorism”.
In a PTI interview, the Patanjali founder warned that unwavering adoption of homegrown products would render India invincible, deterring any adversary from “showing us the eye”— a defiance that met with his retort: “We’ll pluck theirs out.”
Amid global trade skirmishes, Ramdev decried India’s status as the world’s largest market being “looted by foreigners”. Ramdev urged citizens to light swadeshi diyas, illuminate with indigenous lamps, and gift only local wares during the festival of lights. “Our Prime Minister and cultural, social, and religious outfits are rallying for swadeshi to safeguard the nation,” he asserted, echoing Narendra Modi’s vision.
Ramdev predicted swift advancement: “The swadeshi movement is a transformative force.” We won’t wait till 2047 – with resolve, India could emerge and develop by 2040.” He credited this self-reliance surge for empowering India to counter threats boldly, from surgical strikes to economic sovereignty.
On Bihar’s Assembly polls, Ramdev remained neutral, praising NDA’s edge through Modi’s leadership while affirming democracy’s essence: “Every alliance has strengths; voters will decide.” His impassioned plea resonates as Diwali approaches, blending spiritual fervour with economic patriotism — a clarion call for a self-sufficient Bharat.