Swadeshi Jagaran Manch: Dr Ashwani Mahajan addresses key issues of globalisation

In a press conference held at Haryana Bhavan in New Delhi, Dr Ashwani Mahajan, the national co-convenor of Swadeshi Jagaran Manch, emphasised the detrimental impact of unbridled globalisation on the manufacturing sector. Dr Mahajan highlighted a significant decline in the manufacturing sector’s share from 21.5 percent in 1998-99 to 16 percent in 2017, attributing it to a substantial reduction in the average weighted tariff from 23.5 per cent in 2004 to less than 7 per cent in 2005-06.

Addressing the press, Dr Mahajan underscored the adverse effects on employment opportunities due to this decline in manufacturing. He acknowledged the positive impact of the Make in India initiative and the subsequent Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign by the Modi Government in revitalising the manufacturing sector, leading to the recovery of lost employment opportunities and the creation of new avenues for employment. Dr. Mahajan urged the need to sustain and strengthen these efforts.

Reflecting on India’s historical journey, Dr. Mahajan noted the country’s failure to capitalise on the Industrial Revolution 1 and subsequent missed opportunities. However, he highlighted India’s current prominence in the 4th Industrial Revolution, showcasing advancements in technology such as UPI, AI, robotics, drones, space, and software. The press conference aimed to shed light on critical issues affecting the Indian economy and the importance of fostering indigenous manufacturing capabilities.

Amidst the challenges brought to light during the COVID-19 pandemic, the shortcomings of globalisation were exposed, particularly in the reluctance to share vital vaccine manufacturing materials, especially with developing economies. The deficiencies in the global value chain became evident during this unprecedented health crisis.

In response to these challenges, Swavalambi Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) was initiated, embarking on a mission to restore India’s historical standing as the Golden Bird of entrepreneurship. Launched officially on January 12, 2022, the SBA recently completed its two-year journey, dedicated to fostering an unemployment-free, poverty-free, and prosperous India.

The initiative began with the collaboration of eight organisations focusing on various sectors such as labor, farming, cooperatives, small enterprises, education, and consumer affairs. Presently, the SBA boasts the participation of 32 organisations united in the pursuit of its objectives.

During the period from April to June 2023, SBA conducted nationwide workshops, spanning all states, with a remarkable attendance of over 6500 participants. Following this, from July 30 to October 10, 2023, the SBA orchestrated a comprehensive entrepreneurship promotion program across 511 districts, hosting 4413 distinct events. An astounding 820,850 youths actively participated in these events, leading to the identification and recognition of 3938 entrepreneurs who were subsequently facilitated for their contributions.

The SBA also implemented Entrepreneurs Development Programs across 2701 high schools, 1555 institutions and colleges, and 155 universities, aiming to instill the spirit of entrepreneurship among the youth.

In February 2023, a national workshop was conducted for the establishment of “Zila Rojgar Srijan Kendra” at NASC auditorium, ICAR complex at Pusa, New Delhi. The event witnessed the participation of 1352 representatives from all states and 45 Prants, contributing to the SBA’s overarching mission.

SBA stands as a formidable alliance of various organisations committed to fostering entrepreneurship and empowerment in India. Constituents of SBA include prominent entities such as Swadeshi Jagran Manch, Bhartiya Kisan Sangh, Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh, Laghu Udyog Bharti, Akhil Bhartiya Grahak Panchayat, Sahkar Bharti, Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Bhartiya Janta Party, Vishva Hindu Parishad, Vanwasi Kalyan Ashram, Rashtriya Sewa Bharti, Vidya Bharti, Paryavaran Gatividhi, Hindu Jagran Manch, Bhartiya Shikshan Mandal, Deendayal Shodh Sansthan, Vivekananda Kendra, Saksham, Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh, and Krida Bharti.

Collaborations extend beyond socio-cultural organisations to include Zoho Corporation, Gayatri Parivar, Kaneri Math, De Asara, Vakrangi, IID, Jagriti Yatra, Sapio Analytics, Choyal Group, CRISP India, Association of Indian Universities, and Bachpan Group.

The SBA launched its digital platform, mysba.co.in, on August 21, 2022, aiming to connect and empower aspiring entrepreneurs across the nation. A comprehensive two-day meeting at Haryana Bhavan, New Delhi, convened on September 30 and October 1, 2022, witnessed the participation of 80 representatives, engaging in eight sessions to strategise the execution planning of SBA.

Recognising the importance of youth engagement, SBA organised an online carnival, Yuva Sankalp Diwas, on March 23, 2023, during Sahidi Diwas (Martyrs’ Day). The event drew participants from over 400 districts and featured addresses by Dr. Chinmay Pandya of Gayatri Parivar, badminton coach Sri. Pulela Gopichand Ji, and motivational speaker Dr. Bhupendra Singh Rathore.

SBA’s commitment to decentralisation, entrepreneurship, cooperatives, and Swadeshi is exemplified by the establishment of a nationwide Rojgar Kendra. Currently, 448 operational Kendras serve as pivotal points for youth seeking guidance on self-employment, entrepreneurship, jobs, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), startups, and other self-reliant activities, contributing to the broader mission of SBA.

SBA has become a harbinger of change, fostering entrepreneurship and empowerment across India. The alliance has shared inspiring success stories, featuring notable figures such as Padma Shri Sri Sridhar Vembu, the largest Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) creator Sri Vilas Shinde, goat farmer Sri Munendra Singh, Sri Sitaram Yadav of BTW, OYO founder Sri Ritesh Agarwal, Sri Deepak Garg of Rivigo Logistics Company, agriculture entrepreneur Smt. Archana Meena Ji, Sr. Rohit Sharma of Chaiwalaz, Srimati Shradha Sharma of “Your Story,” Smt. Smita Ghesas of Suyash Foundation, founder of media.net Sri Divyank Turakhia, Sri Virendra Nagpal of Sports line, and Youngker Skates Private Limited.

Seva Bharti has played a pivotal role by initiating 14,801 Swavalamban Kendras, 1,234 Silai Kendras, and 3,210 self-help groups, benefiting numerous individuals. Their efforts extend to 678 beauty parlor training centers, 345 computer training centers, and various other training programs, positively impacting 8,765 people.

Vanwasi Kalyan Ashram’s initiatives include the establishment of 3,511 self-help groups, 119 tailoring centers, 14 computer centers, 65 Krishi Vikas Kendras, 10 Sankul Kendras, and 60 other centers, benefiting a total of 50,516 individuals.

Bhartiya Kisan Sangh has created 285 FPOs, significantly benefiting 75,000 farmers, while Sahkar Bharti has guided 2 lakh people on credit facilities, cooperative bank schemes, and startup opportunities. They have networked with 1,000 cooperatives, impacting 50,000 people, and facilitated the creation of new self-help groups that benefit 15 lakh people through interventions in one lakh self-help groups.

Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad’s contribution includes the establishment of 75 Rojgar Kendras, impacting 5,000 youths. They have organised 112 innovation-related events through an incubation center, conducted 5 startup conferences, 3 startup conclaves, and 6 startup competitions. Additionally, one national seminar and the operationalisation of incubation centers in colleges across 20 Prants have benefited 15,000 students. SBA’s multifaceted impact continues to drive positive change in India’s entrepreneurial landscape.

The SBA continues to make significant strides in fostering entrepreneurship and empowering communities across India. The Vishva Hindu Parishad, under SBA, has established 702 training centers, benefiting 4,710 individuals, and 292 exclusive “Matri-Shakti” centers, supporting 4,030 women entrepreneurs.

Within the past year, SBA has launched several impactful books, including “Bharat@2047 ke Panch Stambh,” “Swavalamban Ki Ore Badhta Bharat,” “Punah Banaye Bharat Mahan,” “31 Safal Udhayami ki Safal Kahaniya,” “Dots of Bharat @2047,” “Bharat Marching Towards Swavalamban,” “Employment Creation Rebuilding Great Bharat,” “Igniting 37 Crore Growth Engines,” and more.

SBA’s cultural initiative, the Swavalamban Geet titled “Hum Sabkao Age Badhna Hai,” composed by Padma Shri Kailash Kher, was launched on February 19, 2023. With over 16,000 digital volunteers, 448 operational Zila Rojgar Kendras, numerous published books, and a series of workshops at both Prant and Kshetra levels, SBA’s reach and impact are substantial.

The Youth Entrepreneurship campaign of SBA spans all 45 Prants, touching 511 districts, engaging with 400 industrial units, felicitating 3,938 entrepreneurs, and directly impacting nearly one lakh youths. SBA, led by the Swadeshi Jagran Manch, believes in collective efforts and emphasises that government alone cannot shift the societal mindset from job-seeking to entrepreneurship. The initiative actively welcomes ideas and partnerships, encouraging citizens to register as volunteers on the mysba.co.in portal to be part of this transformative journey.

During a media interaction, Dr. Ashwani Mahajan explained SBA’s focus on rural development, job creation through rural industrialization, food processing, fisheries, and women-led enterprises. SBA remains committed to its vision of a self-reliant and prosperous Bharat.