“Without the growth of such Hindu, i.e., human consciousness, it is impossible in the international economic field to ensure genuine ‘free trade’; maximum utilisation of the scarce resources; development without environmental problems and permanent damage to nature; adjustment of the presently unlimited human desires with the limited resources of the planet; management of population explosion; diversion of all the huge amounts allocated currently by different countries for their defence budgets to their developmental activities; encouragement to every country to maximise its specialised production; free exchange of scientific and technological information; constitution of International Technological Ombudsman; curbing the activities of international criminal gangs disturbing seriously the economic structures of even the civilised countries; and world peace, harmony and prosperity”. – Dattopant Thengadi
What we have achieved in the last 77 years of Independence is nothing short of a miracle.
Many nay-sayers expected that neither freedom nor democracy would be sustainable in a diverse country like Bharat. Our food security was abysmal, and defence infrastructure too was negligible. The colonial rule had left the economy in the doldrums. From that precarious scenario, we have indeed made strides on many social, economic and political indicators, whatever the projections of the Western ratings and indexing agencies. We should certainly be proud of that and celebrate those achievements, especially on Independence Day, when the scenario around the world is gloomy. What should be our future approach and trajectory in the age of global uncertainty and instability?
The market globalisation model, provided by the capitalist block, has failed, and they have also accepted it. Technology has brought the world together, but the ‘free market’ philosophy is no longer driving world trade. Instead, different forms of protectionism and regionalism are reshaping the world. The dollar economy is driven by monopolisation in defence, pharmaceutical, banking, insurance, food and agriculture, oil and gas, and technology, which is neither stable nor sustainable. Most of the global conflicts are directly a result of this model of neo-colonising capitalism. The entire global South is trying to fight against this imposed development model.
The Communist version of globalisation collapsed long ago. The new avatar, state-controlled capitalism led by China, can use the debt trap and muscle power to expand business but can never be a universally accepted alternative. The internal contradiction of this dictatorial globalisation will lead to its collapse today or tomorrow.
In such a scenario, Bharat emerges as a beacon of hope, a powerful alternative to the existing models. With its vibrant democracy and the largest population, Bharat has the potential to offer a model of development that is both sustainable and inclusive. The Government of Bharat’s comprehensive outline for Atmanirbhar Bharat in the post-COVID–19 economic package is a testament to this potential. Despite global uncertainties and technological dependencies, the intent and direction are clear, paving the way for a brighter future.
We must be clear that Atmanirbharta cannot be just a Government vision and programme. We as a nation need to have a new resolve, like our freedom fighters, to provide a collective model of development that would inspire others. Our family and community-based skill set, cluster-centred economy, and immense young human capital should be channelled with the spirit of freedom struggle for decolonising development discourse. We need to revive our pre-colonial model of wealth creation in the present context. Recently, Swadeshi Jagran Manch passed a resolution to achieve Viksit Bharat’s goal by 2047. Through this Independence Day Special, the Organiser presents readers with those seven parameters for intellectual churning. We need a new resolve to redefine the indicators, processes and objectives of development based on the Bharatiya paradigm to accelerate the process of Atmanirbharta. All the stakeholders will hopefully get inspiration to deliberate on the proposed ideas and contribute to the destined role of Bharat in providing a credible alternative. Have a thinking celebration on this Independence Day.
