PM Modi thanks people for responding to his call

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated the response from citizens to his appeal for avoiding extravagant expenditure in view of the ongoing West Asia crisis that has disrupted supply chains. In his monthly Mann Ki Baat address on Sunday, he stated that several Indians have written to him about their decision not to buy gold, hold destination weddings abroad and engage in fertiliser-free farming.

"I am happy that we Indians are facing this global crisis together. I am confident that this very power of public participation will strengthen us and lead us to success," Modi said. He recalled his appeal to citizens after the US-Israel attack on Iran and the war-like situation in West Asia.

"I had asked people to avoid buying gold for some time, as far as possible. I urged people to avoid holidaying abroad and encouraged carpooling. I also requested farmers to adopt chemical-free farming, protect their farmlands and maximize the use of natural fertilisers. Friends, I am grateful to every citizen of the country. Not only have they supported my appeal, but they are also actively cooperating in every way," the PM said.


Modi maintained that several families have shared their experiences with him through messages in which they shared that they have decided not to buy gold for weddings in their homes this time. "If the need arises, they will recycle old gold to create new jewellery. Many people have also written on social media about how they have postponed their foreign trips this time," he said.

Other steps include carpooling and more frequent use of public transport such as the metro.

"Those who used to travel in their own vehicles in the same direction every day have now started commuting together. People are making every effort to use buses and the metro, which is resulting in savings on petrol and diesel," Modi said.

Similarly, reports are coming in about the increased consumption of natural fertilisers in various parts of the country, he added.