“It is wrong to presume that ‘Swadeshi’ concerns itself only with the goods or services. That is more an incidental aspect. Essentially, it concerns the spirit determined to achieve national self-reliance, preservation of national sovereignty and independence, and international co-operation on equal footing”.
– Dattopant Thengadi, ‘‘Swadeshi is the practical manifestation of patriotism’, Organiser, December 26, 1993
This year, Deepawali has rekindled the spirit of Swadeshi. Across the nation, Swadeshi Melas and festivals have added fervour to the festival celebrations. Such platforms have provided the local artisans a platform to showcase their products that they have made using the local resources. What is enthralling is that people at large are purchasing these products with great enthusiasm.
The festival of lights would certainly illuminate the traditional customs, rituals, firecrackers and variety of delicacies. As we celebrate the civilisational festival of Bharat, which is associated with the Ramayan, Mahabharat, and stories of each family and their ancestors, with unique traditions but the same philosophical ethos, it is essential not to reduce the spirit of Swadeshi to the economy-centric paradigm. For many, it is a reaction to the Trump-imposed tariff war and the China-manipulated dumping war. Of course, Swadeshi is about economics, but as a philosophy and practice, it goes much beyond the prevalent economic conditions, touching the real idea of Swaraj.
Atmanirbharata, roughly translated as self-sufficiency, is the natural and first pillar of Swadeshi. The society, which used to share more than twenty-five per cent of global GDP, was reduced to a poor and dependent society due to colonial exploitation. From food grains to defence technology, we remained dependent on others after Independence. Since then, there has been a quantum jump in all the sectors. Still, the disturbance of the global supply chain during and after the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for nurturing and promoting self-sufficiency in all the critical sectors where we have resources and skills.
In the dynamic geo-strategic world, Swadeshi is also about National Security. The biggest instrument of neo-colonialism since World War II has been the defence manufacturing and war economy. If the country relies heavily on imports for defence equipment, then its security is jeopardised. The technology monopolisation and manipulation have become new weapons of war. Not just the patents and royalties, but the data that is used to influence the behaviour and perceptions of the masses is the new oil and can prove to be more detrimental to democracy and the political stability of a country. Many countries around the world are experiencing the same. Hence, Swadeshi is also about inculcating techno-nationalism and investing in research and development to ensure national security.
Environmental degradation is one of the biggest concerns while pursuing economic development. The Swadeshi economics, not just in Bharat but across the world, is more environment-friendly and therefore sustainable. The traditional clusters of Bharat, ranging from garments to metallurgy, depend on local resources and skill sets. They are also less technology-intensive, which demands less capital investment. Obviously, they provide more employability and opportunities for individuals and families. Barring high-end, heavy industrial production, for a vast population country like Bharat, Swadeshi is about sustainability and employability.
As the production and supply chain in the Swadeshi model of development are community-based, it ensures social cohesion and interdependence. The communities share the settings, resources and skills. The trust factor is higher, so the credit and supply chain operate more on local cultural and human considerations. The cooperative or self-help groups get involved in the manufacturing or marketing of the products. The quality aspects are known to everyone; therefore, they cannot be compromised. The products created or purchased by individuals foster a sense of belonging and develop a brand associated with the area rather than the individual. Silk from Banaras, Sambalpur and Kancheepuram has acquired its own GI tag without anyone registering a patent for ages. Every area of Bharat has the potential to develop as a cluster, combining community, resources, and skills to create a more interdependent and cooperative social setting, rather than one that is dependent, competitive, or conflictual.
When we were under the colonial rule, it was not just a political project but a struggle to regain socio-cultural independence. Swadeshi is a symbol of resistance against the idea and all forms of colonisation. The traditional form of colonisation ended, but neo-colonisation is still trying to take away our freedom in one way or another. The limitations of the Bretton Woods system created a trade system that is completely exposed. The US-led Western Bloc, which advocated for free trade and sought to establish a uniform, neocolonised market through globalisation, has recognised its limitations and is now employing various forms of protectionism through tariff wars. In the name of choice, cultural imposition is the norm. Fortunately, in Bharat, Government policies are encouraging indigenous and rooted business ventures and ideas. The domestic demand and social capital are sufficient to withstand international pressure
and manoeuvrings.
Youth are aspirational, techno-savvy and still culturally rooted. Many start-ups are emerging, and indigenous technological platforms are being developed to ensure data localisation. With the volatile geo-strategic situation, the world is also looking at Bharat with considerable hope and expectations. Hence, it is necessary to rekindle the spirit of Swadeshi in the comprehensive sense while celebrating Deepawali.
The civilisational festival symbolises the balancing approach of prosperity with spirituality. Many people and brands continue to present the Bharatiya Dharmic model to the world for emulation, and many are aspiring to emulate it. This special edition of Organiser is dedicated to all such efforts at individual and collective levels. Let us all revisit the philosophy and practice of Swadeshi and spread the Bharatiya fragrance of sustainability, dignity and prosperity across the globe. Shubh Deepawali!
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