Great wall of desi-made decorations keeping ‘Made in China’ out of Pune this Diwali - Hindustan Times
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Great wall of desi-made decorations keeping ‘Made in China’ out of Pune this Diwali

Hindustan Times, Pune | ByShrinivas Deshpande, Pune
Oct 09, 2017 04:21 PM IST

The anti-China move has come up courtesy the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who are pushing a “buy swadeshi” narrative in Pune this Diwali.

This Diwali festival, in Pune, the Chinese are under attack; at least all China-made products aimed at the Diwali market. And, the local market does have ‘made in China’ lamps, lanterns and crackers

Traffic jam on Bajirao road in Pune as people come out in huge numbers for Diwali shopping on Sunday.(HT PHOTO)
Traffic jam on Bajirao road in Pune as people come out in huge numbers for Diwali shopping on Sunday.(HT PHOTO)

The anti-China move has come up courtesy the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who are pushing a “buy swadeshi” narrative in Pune this Diwali.

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In fact, local BJP leaders have even come up with what they are calling a “desi solution” to the issue - an exhibition where buyers can easily access Indian-made Diwali products.

The “trade show” in question is on at Siddhi Gardens,DP road and  Yogesh Mandavkar, who visited the exhibition said,"Why should we not prefer our desi-made products? By purchasing our product, we are indirectly helping our country by boosting our economy."

Dr Prachiti Suru-Kulkarni, a resident of Kothrud, added, "We cannot create more jobs unless we make a market available for our products.This is not an issue of being against Chinese products, but if we have a desi solution, then why should we purchase Chinese products? We have a much better product than most others." 

 Organiser of the exhibition, Shashikala Mengade, said,"People are choosing wisely when it comes to their nation.Many of us want a permanent and sustainable option and here, we are providing it." 

 Ulka Sharma, a stall owner from Dhule, said, "As compared to last year there is an increase in demand for desi-made items.The demand for desi earthen lamps and lanterns is high."

Sharma admits Chinese-made ones have been popular, but claims this is not so any more. 

 Prajakta Chitale, another stall owner said, "Chinese items have lost their credibility. Though they are very cheap, they are not reliable.As far as response is concerned, we have booked 1,200 orders of desi-made lighting decorations." 

Made in China prices keep the goods on Laxmi road going

Bumper sales, heavy discounts and Diwali offers flooded Laxmi road as shopping on the weekend kicked into Pune’s biggest market.

On this street, more than anywhere else in the city, the ‘Made in China’ versus ‘Made in India’ battle is on in full swing for Diwali, literally.

On Laxmi road it’s a mixed response to Indian-made and Chinese-made items.

Rachna Yadav, a teacher by profession says, “I purchased a Chinese lantern. It is very cheap and anyone can afford it.I never go for long-lasting festive items because I like to buy new items every year.”

Jagdish Gaikwad has a different philosophy about the Diwali products. “I never think about Indian made or elsewhere. I go with the product that attracts my eyes.”

Omkar Kumawat,who was on Laxmi road on Sunday evening, said,”I am purchasing only Indian-made items because we have to support our market and economy. Why put our country at risk just for the sake of few rupees?”

Vimal Shah, a shopkeeper at JK Market says,”From lights manufactured in India to Chinese products we have all the options.Although the Indian-made lights are more in demand this year, Chinese lights are cheap. The Indian products are giving tough competition to the Chinese.”

Kailash Yadav stands in front of the Dagdushet Ganpati temple selling handmade lamps. He says,”We have only handmade lanterns available in white, red, green and blue. Depending on the size, they are priced between 150 and 800.”

Hemant Shah, secretary of the Electric Traders Association of JK Market, Budhwar peth, says, “People are mostly asking for running lighting,small LED strips that the youth want.”

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