In his X post, PM Modi stated, ‘Rashtrapita Mahatma Gandhi ji ko punyatithi par shat-shat naman. Bapu’s lifelong advocacy for Swadeshi underpins our commitment to a developed, self-reliant India. His exemplary character motivates us to fulfill our duties ceaselessly.’

Modi spotlighted Gandhi’s commitment to Ahimsa, the supreme force capable of global change sans violence. He recited, ‘Ahimsa paramo dharma: tatha ahimsa param tapah. Ahimsa paramam satyam yato dharmah pravartate,’ reinforcing non-violence as the bedrock of true dharma.

Prominent figures amplified the message. Union Minister Piyush Goyal shared, ‘Mahatma Gandhi’s punyatithi: profound respects. Truth, non-violence, and goodwill—his ideals illuminate humanity’s path worldwide, inspiring service, dedication, and moral courage.’

Jyotiraditya Scindia connected Gandhi’s hygiene ethos to national goals: ‘Bapu saw cleanliness as Swaraj’s base. Let’s commit to Swachh Bharat to realize his envisioned India.’

From Madhya Pradesh, CM Mohan Yadav offered, ‘Sadar shraddhanjali to Rashtrapita. Your gospel of truth, ahimsa, and unity charts the course for societal good—your life a model for public welfare.’

Uttarakhand’s Pushkar Singh Dhami added, ‘Koti-koti naman to the global teacher of truth, non-violence, and service. Bapu’s saga of renunciation and nation-service inspires justice, unity, and peace eternally.’

As voices unite, Gandhi’s relevance shines through in India’s developmental narrative, bridging past sacrifices with future ambitions.

Modi further pointed out that this Deepavali marks a new era for many districts, where Naxalism and Maoist terrorism have been completely eradicated. He celebrated the return of individuals from violence to the mainstream, embracing the Constitution as a significant national achievement. ‘For the first time, lamps will be lit in many districts across the country… where Naxalism and Maoist terrorism have been eradicated from the root,’ he noted, praising those who have joined the path of development. The letter also touched upon recent economic reforms, including reduced GST rates during Navratri, which have led to significant savings for citizens. The Prime Minister projected India’s rise as a global economic force, stating, ‘Bharat has emerged as a symbol of both stability and sensitivity.’ He urged citizens to contribute to a developed and self-reliant India by supporting ‘Swadeshi’ products and embodying the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.

Shah stated his reverence for Mahatma Gandhi, who recognized the soul of India. He highlighted Gandhi’s two key concepts: Khadi and Swadeshi, which were integral to the freedom struggle. He noted that in the past, English textiles were imported. He mentioned that when Narendra Modi became the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2003, he revived Khadi.

WhatsApp currently has over 400 million daily active users. Its features, including voice notes, file sharing, and money transfers, have made it successful and a trusted communication tool for many Indians. A complete shift away from WhatsApp is unlikely, as it is essential for daily communication and many businesses. Arattai needs to offer significant advantages to convince users to switch.

The issue of data privacy is a growing concern. Many apps require user data access for personalized experiences, raising questions about data usage. It’s too early to know how Arattai will handle user data; however, its focus on Indian users could mean it avoids exploiting personal data. Government support might attract users and build public trust.

“Today, during Navratri, is the special day for the worship and rituals of Mother Shailputri. My wish is that, with the Mother’s affection and blessings, everyone’s life may be filled with good fortune and good health,” PM Modi wrote on X.

In a separate post, PM Modi lauded the GST reforms as the ‘GST Bachat Utsav,’ effective from the same day. He urged citizens to unite in fulfilling the vision of a developed and self-reliant India. “This time, this auspicious occasion of Navratri is very special. Along with the GST Bachat Utsav, the mantra of Swadeshi is going to receive new energy during this period. Let us come together in collective efforts for the fulfilment of the resolve for a developed and self-reliant India,” PM Modi added.

Earlier, PM Modi, in his address to the nation, conveyed his best wishes for Navratri. He emphasized the importance of the occasion and mentioned that the country would take a significant step towards building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat from the festival’s first day. He declared that the Next-Generation GST reforms would be implemented with the sunrise on the first day of Navratri, signifying a new phase in India’s economic transformation.

“From tomorrow, the festival of Navratri is starting. I extend my best wishes to you. From the first day of Navratri, the country is taking an important step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Tomorrow, on the first day of Navratri, Next-Generation GST reforms will come into effect with sunrise,” PM Modi stated.

In Assam, PM Modi criticized the Congress party, accusing them of disrespecting Bhupen Hazarika. He recounted the Congress’s remarks, and stated, ‘I am a devotee of Lord Shiva, I swallow all the poison,’ expressing his hurt over the alleged disrespect towards the people of Assam.

Modi declared, ‘140 crore countrymen are my remote control.’ He further accused the Congress of being filled with arrogance, urging the people of Assam and the nation to question the Congress’s actions regarding Bhupen Da’s alleged humiliation. He emphasized the importance of respecting Assam’s cultural heritage and the state’s rapid development as a priority for the double-engine government.

Discussing Assam’s development, the PM highlighted how the collaborative efforts of the government and Assam are making the state prominent in the country and globally. He mentioned that India is currently the fastest-growing country in the world, and Assam is also rapidly growing. He contrasted the current progress with the past, when Assam lagged, and pointed out its current growth rate of 13 percent. He acknowledged the consistent support received by Chief Minister Himanta and his team in every election, highlighting the BJP government’s commitment to making Assam the growth engine of India’s development. He announced development projects worth 6,500 crore rupees. The PM also congratulated everyone on the Darrang Medical College, highways, and ring roads. He emphasized that the entire nation is unitedly moving forward towards building a developed India. He said, for our young friends, a developed India is both a dream and a resolution. He highlighted the Northeast’s crucial role in this resolution. He noted that after independence, major cities and economies developed in the West and South of India, leading to a large portion of the Eastern India population being left behind, but the BJP government is now changing these circumstances.

Modi stated that the next phase of the 21st century belongs to the Northeast. He stressed the importance of rapid connectivity for the swift development of any region, and the government’s focus on this aspect. This has created new employment opportunities for the youth. He contrasted the Congress’s 60-65 years in power in Delhi, during which only three bridges were built on the Brahmaputra River, with the current government building six major bridges in a decade. He emphasized that the country is being prepared according to the needs of 25-50 years from now to achieve a developed India by 2047, when India celebrates 100 years of independence.

He announced that GST rates would be reduced on the first day of Navratri, making health and insurance more affordable. He said that the GST decision will enhance the festive cheer. PM Modi also urged the public during the festive season to buy only indigenous goods. He requested everyone to pledge to buy only Made in India products, defining ‘Swadeshi’ simply as products made in India, regardless of the company’s origin. He emphasized that the money should stay within India, and the labor should be from Indian youth, with the products reflecting the essence of India.

The BJP’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’ will run from September 25th (Deen Dayal Upadhyay Jayanti) to December 25th (Atal Bihari Vajpayee Jayanti). This campaign will encompass conferences, marches, and outreach efforts targeting various segments of society, including traders, industries, farmers, women, and entrepreneurs. The aim is to raise awareness and encourage the adoption of indigenous products.

During the festive season, the campaign will focus on promoting Swadeshi products by inspiring people, shopkeepers, and entrepreneurs. It will encourage the purchase of indigenous goods during Diwali, the sale of Swadeshi products by shopkeepers, and the use of traditional diyas (lamps) instead of foreign lighting products.

This decision comes from BJP’s National President Jagat Prakash Nadda. This move is particularly significant amid the US tariffs. While India seeks to explore export opportunities in Europe and other markets to counter US tariffs, it is simultaneously emphasizing self-reliance by promoting indigenous products to reduce foreign imports.

The ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’ will communicate the message of self-reliance, urging citizens to use indigenous products and adopt Swadeshi values. The campaign will start on September 25th, the birth anniversary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay, and conclude on December 25th, the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The first phase of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Sankalp’ conferences will be organized in all districts in October, followed by the second phase in all mandals (administrative divisions) in November-December. Active participation from relevant social and business organizations, as well as stakeholders like local artisans and craftsmen, will be ensured.