Amid the West Asia crisis and volatile global crude prices, crossing 100 US dollars per barrel and recently touching a 52-week high of 126 US dollars, PM Modi called on citizens to help conserve foreign exchange reserves by reducing reliance on imported fuel and adopting energy-efficient practices

Athawale leading by example travelled by the Mumbai Metro to put Modi's call into action

Among them was a call to reduce fuel consumption, increase use of public transport and carpooling, and strengthen the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative

Speaking about why he decided to take public transport, Athawale said, "Indian ranks fourth in economy. To stop it from sliding further the PM has appealed to reduce petrol, diesel usage, to not buy gold, to avoid unnecessary abroad travel…I will try to use metro for commuting, and I’d request the mass to adhere to PM Modi’s appeal."

The Prime Minister stressed that self-reliance and organic farming are essential for achieving India’s long-term goal of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047

He also urged farmers to reduce dependence on imported chemical fertilisers and encouraged citizens to cut down on edible oil consumption

PM Modi further urged people to reconsider discretionary spending, including limiting foreign travel for a year, reducing destination weddings abroad, and cutting excessive gold purchases.