Retired Brigadier Kandaswamy has voiced concern about a rising tendency among Indians to adopt foreign culture and goods, arguing that the trend risks eroding the nation’s economic base. Speaking in Tarikere after receiving an honour from the Tarikere taluk Ex-Servicemen’s Association, he urged citizens to reconnect with homegrown products and industries to safeguard livelihoods and national prosperity.
The brigadier outlined recent grassroots efforts designed to raise public awareness about the benefits of buying domestic. Under the banner of Youth for Nation and Swadeshi Jagaran, veterans and volunteers organised a cycle rally that travelled through rural and urban communities in and around Tarikere. The campaign, he said, aims to educate consumers about the economic advantages of choosing locally made goods and to encourage support for small and medium enterprises.
Promote domestic manufacturing
Kandaswamy warned that the unchecked influx of foreign products is widening every day and denting India’s economic standing. He called for a renewed focus on self-reliance and for policies and public behaviour that favour domestic manufacturing, entrepreneurship and exports. “Encouraging homegrown production and increasing exports are national strategies that help sustain jobs and strengthen our balance of trade,” he said.
The veteran framed the campaign as both patriotic and pragmatic. Having served in various arms of the Indian armed forces, he said ex-servicemen are committed to civic initiatives that bolster national resilience. The cycle rally is intended to reach a wide audience, from city shoppers to rural consumers, and to provide practical information about locally produced alternatives.
Local dignitaries and community leaders joined the event. Speakers included N. Veerabhadrappa of Janachintana Sangha and Dasaams leader N. Venkatesh, who voiced support for strengthening indigenous industries. Members of the jatha team included Ramesh Narasappa, G. M. Vedamurthy, Gopinath Pille, Jaganath, Babu, Shant, Sagar and Hemant Jadhav. The Tarikere taluk Ex-Servicemen’s Association president, Military Srinivas, served as master of ceremonies, and association members such as Devendrappa, Govindappa, Kumar, Siddappa, K. A. Palakshappa and Jagannath were present.
Speakers emphasised practical steps that consumers and policymakers can take: prioritise purchases from local manufacturers, champion small-scale producers, and promote export-oriented enterprises that can compete abroad. They argued that such measures will not only preserve cultural identity but also contribute to sustainable economic growth.
While the message is rooted in cultural concerns, its principal thrust is economic: reversing the decline in domestic market share for Indian goods will support employment and reduce dependency on imports. Event organisers said they will continue community outreach programmes and awareness rides to build momentum for homegrown industry.
As India aims for greater economic self-reliance, initiatives that combine public awareness with support for domestic manufacturers are likely to play a constructive role. The Tarikere event underlined how veterans, civil society and local leaders can collaborate to promote manufacturing, boost exports and encourage consumer choices that favour national economic objectives.
Key Takeaways:
- Retired Brigadier Kandaswamy warns that growing preference for foreign culture and goods threatens India’s economic strength.
- He and veteran groups organised awareness cycle rallies under Youth for Nation and Swadeshi Jagaran to promote indigenous products.
- Calls to promote domestic manufacturing and boost exports are framed as national duty and a strategic economic response.
- Local leaders and veterans joined the event to endorse self-reliance and support for domestic enterprises.
