Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently been urging people to “be vocal for local” and use indigenous products. With the US and European countries imposing heavy tariffs and restrictions on Indian goods, Modi says this is the right time for Indians to support domestic producers and local industries. Interestingly, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) too had given similar calls in the past.
But what do we really use in our daily life—from morning to night? Which are Indian products and which are foreign brands? Let’s take a closer look.
Early Morning
- Toothbrush, Toothpaste: Dominated by Colgate (USA), Pepsodent (UK), Sensodyne (UK) – foreign brands.
- Indian alternatives: Patanjali Dant Kanti, Dabur Red, Wisdom toothbrush (Indian brand).
- Soaps, Face Wash: Lifebuoy (Unilever – UK/Netherlands), Pears, Dove – foreign.
- Indian: Medimix, Mysore Sandal, Hamam (Indian origin), Patanjali, Ayush.
Breakfast Time
- Tea, Coffee: Brooke Bond, Nescafe (Switzerland) – foreign.
- Indian: Taj Mahal Tea (Tata), Tata Coffee, Sufi Tea.
- Bread, Cornflakes: Kellogg’s (USA) – foreign.
- Indian: Britannia (Indian but with foreign investors), Surya, local bakeries.
Before Leaving for Office/School
- Clothes: Market dominated by Nike, Adidas, Puma, Levi’s – foreign.
- Indian: Raymond, Allen Solly (Aditya Birla Group), Myntra, Reliance Trends, Peter England.
- Shoes: Adidas, Nike, Reebok – foreign.
- Indian: Bata (though originally foreign, it is fully rooted in India), Reliance Footprint, Liberty, Paragon.
Lunch Time
- Rice, Pulses, Vegetables: Mostly from Indian farmers.
- But Soft Drinks: Coca-Cola, Pepsi – American brands.
- Indian alternatives: Campa Cola, Bovonto, Patanjali juices, local cool drinks.
Evening Hours
- Mobile Phones: Mostly Apple (USA), Samsung (Korea), OnePlus, Xiaomi (China).
- Indian brands: Micromax, Lava, Karbonn (but their market share has declined).
- Bikes, Cars: Honda, Suzuki, Hyundai, Toyota – foreign.
- Indian: Hero, Bajaj, Tata, Mahindra.
Dinner & Night
- Cooking Oils: Sunflower, Fortune – Indian companies.
- Chocolates, Ice-creams: Cadbury (UK/USA), Nestlé.
- Indian: Amul ice-creams, Indian-made chocolates.
- Bedsheets, Furnishings: Mostly Indian textiles. But foreign brands like IKEA (Sweden), Home Centre (Dubai) are gaining popularity.
Conclusion
From the time we wake up to the time we go to bed, our lives are filled with foreign brands. Yet, there are Indian alternatives available. By choosing them, we can support domestic industries, farmers, and small businesses.
The call once made by the RSS for “Swadeshi” is now being carried forward by Prime Minister Modi with the slogan:
“Vocal for Local, Local to Global.”
As consumers, it is our responsibility to make choices that strengthen India’s economy through our spending power.
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