Page 16 - Mann ki Baat - English

involved in this initiative. the idol is made of and which
My dear fellow citizens, country it was produced in. Do
Many people have written to me not buy idols made of Plaster of
suggesting that I speak about a Paris at all.
special topic. This topic relates Friends, Clay idols dissolve
to ‘Ganesh Utsav’. Although naturally in water after the
there is still quite some time worship rituals conclude. This
left for ‘Ganesh Utsav’, people helps protect our rivers, ponds,
have urged that this subject be and the environment. It allows
discussed right now. In fact, the us to uphold our faith while
work of crafting Ganesh idols also fulfilling our responsibility
begins well in advance; idol towards nature. When we
makers and those involved in the purchase idols from local
idol trade become active right artisans, we strengthen the
now. Therefore, I urge all of you... resolve of being ‘Vocal for Local’.
please make an effort to ensure I am confident that during this
that the idol of Ganpati Bappa ‘Ganesh Utsav’—and indeed
installed in your home, society, during every such festival—we
or neighborhood is made from will give serious thought to these
the soil of our own country and matters and take steps in the
crafted by the hands of our own national interest.
potters and local artisans. I also Friends, The greatest
urge those who make Ganesh strength of our country lies in
idols to prioritise clay idols, her people. The various efforts—
and I ask buyers to check what big and small—taking place

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