“Patriots are not against internationalism. Their plea for national self-reliance is not incompatible with international co-operation, provided the latter is on equal footing—with due regard to the national self-respect of every country. Their difference of opinion with the advocates of ‘globalisation’ is on a different, and more basic point. The Swadeshiwallahs are not prepared to endorse the view that the western paradigm is the universal model of progress and development worthy of being followed by all the peoples of the world. While they recognise the fact of cultural intercourse, they insist that every people has its own distinct culture and the model of progress and development for each country should be consistent with its own cultural ethos. Westernisation is not modernisation. Modernisation should be in keeping with the spirit of national culture. They oppose the move for steam-rolling all the various cultures and national identities in the world in favour of the west”. —Dattopant Thengadi Ji, Swadeshi is the practical manifestation of patriotism,
Organiser, December 26, 1993
In his 12th consecutive Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi covered almost all dimensions of national progress from the past to the present towards the future. In a 103-minute speech, he paid tribute to the freedom fighters and Constitution makers for their sacrifice and contributions and tracked the journey of a nation since Independence as a democracy. What stood out in this entire speech was the way the theme of Swadeshi for self-reliance in all sectors to mitigate the present and future challenges was interwoven.
The background of Operation Sindoor was evident in the Independence Day celebration at Red Fort and in the speech delivered by the Prime Minister. The military operation was a statement of civilisational Bharat against the menace of terrorism with a doctrinal shift. At the same time, it was also a manifestation of our technological precision capabilities developed with Made in Bharat weapons. Without self-reliance in the defence sector, our Armed Forces cannot undertake the operations as per our doctrine; hence, the strengthening of the Swadeshi spirit in defence technology and manufacturing is the critical element that the Prime Minister referred to. Mission Sudarshan Chakra and no compromise on Indus Waters also signify the ability to assert based on self-reliance.
In the technology-driven century, weaponry cannot function in isolation. The semiconductor industry, jet engines, drone technology and related raw material – all constitute the defence manufacturing ecosystem. If other factors such as oil and gas are jeopardising our independence, then having the ability to strike is not sufficient. Hence, initiatives like deep-sea exploration missions along with sustainable practices are equally important. We are committed to the civilisational values of peace and sustainability, but the world functions on the transactional principles of the market. Even to exercise our moral authority, we need power, which can come only through a collective resolve for reinvigorating the innate social strength of the nation. The Panch-Pran or five transformational values are the bedrock for this journey from Swadheen (Independent) Bharat to Samriddha (Prosperous) Bharat. The mention of hundred years glorious journey of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) by the PM – should also be seen in the same spirit.
All this is easier said than done. The Prime Minister urged people to take pride in shopping and selling from the outlets with Swadeshi display. Will our colonised intellect, where anything foreign is considered superior and prestigious, take us in that direction? It cannot be a mere Government programme, but every section of society will have to contribute to this, as happened during the freedom struggle. As President Droupadi Murmu also mentioned in her address on the eve of Independence Day, that we will have to change our habits and reconnect with nature to ensure a sustainable life. Demography is an extraordinary dividend for us, but qualitative aspects of population are critical. Though the National Education Policy (NEP) is a positive step in ensuring skilled manpower with Swadeshi thinking, it is just a beginning. Change of demography in the bordering areas to undermine democracy is a phenomenon which is becoming a security challenge. Parochial political interest should not become a stumbling block in marching on the path of Samriddhi based on Swadeshi.
What we have achieved in the last seventy-eight years is quite noteworthy. Our constitutional democracy is a testament to our inherent strength. When it comes to the path of development, the binary of capitalism and communism, based on foreign ideas and models, was considered as the only option. The clarion call by Prime Minister Modi to contribute to the journey from Independence to self-reliance indicates the critical times amidst global uncertainties. Swadeshi spirit in each sector is no longer an option but a resolve for another freedom struggle that all sections of society need to undertake for ensuring security and prosperity. The roadmap has been outlined, but walking through it is our collective responsibility, as critical as the fight that our freedom fighters fought to attain Independence.
