The Vocal for Local initiative is a call for strengthening local economies in wake of the impact caused to businesses due to the Coronavirus breakout, inadvertently leading to dwindling economies and loss of jobs. The concept is to create a self-reliant nation that is independent and does not have to rely on any foreign companies, products or services. The outbreak was an education on advocating the importance of local manufacturing, market and supply chain thus leading to job creation. Though the seeds of Make in India were sown in 1905, its gravity has been fully experienced during these trying times.

Though a lot of millenials may believe that Make in India is a new concept, it in fact found its origin during the Swadeshi Movement started by Mahatma Gandhi. As a diverse and rich nation, we have a lot to be grateful for. On this day, August 7th in the year 1905, our Country had witnessed this historical movement which was a call for the citizens of India to realize the need for self-employment and self-reliance. Hence, August 7th has been marked as National Handloom Day by the Government of India. The concept of Vocal for Local saw resurgence during a speech provided by our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modiji on 12th May 2020. The directive concentrates on “Think Local Go Global”. The prerogative of the initiative is to be self-sustained and to look into our own neighbourhoods to create local goods with locally available resources.

We have been blessed with vibrant handlooms and it is vital that we celebrate them. As a design institute, the endeavor of JD Institute has always been to mould young minds to create solution based design strategies. These are firmly based on the three core principles of Sustainability – Environmental, Economical and Social. With the current scenario and its mass impact on livelihoods, the focus is on introspecting into our past behaviours to bring about a positive change. Our planet is facing the aftermath of our excessive consumerist behavior which has led to major global challenges. Educating the younger generations to be mindful and work with local vendors, goods, create sustainable practices will help in building a truly self-reliant nation. However, working local does not limit business opportunities to one’s own country, but provides a highway to go global.

The Vocal for Local approach presents an opportunity to showcase the diversity of our nation with the kind of goods and products that are unique for commercial viability. It acts as a reminder that inorder to function effectively a country does not have to be dependent on other countries. A self-sustained nation can give birth to sustainable ideas/practices and by creating self-reliance it is the only road to true freedom.

To sum up, the quote by Christopher Dodd is befitting to the current scenario – “We learned that economic growth and environmental protection can and should go hand in hand.”

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VOCAL FOR LOCAL IN THE CHANGING ECONOMIC LANDSCAPE