The journey from political independence (Swadhinta) to absolute freedom (Swatantrata) is not solely a governmental or institutional endeavour; it relies on the active participation and collective responsibility of every citizen. True decolonisation begins at the individual level and extends through collective action.
Personal Actions to Decolonise: Individual Agency
Citizens play a pivotal role in dismantling the colonial mindset through conscious personal actions that challenge ingrained biases and embrace local heritage.
Learn Regional Languages: Actively engaging with and learning regional languages is a fundamental step in decolonising the mind. The colonial emphasis on English led to the displacement of local languages and created a linguistic divide. By embracing regional languages, individuals can reconnect with their cultural roots, access a wealth of traditional knowledge, and bridge the linguistic barriers that persist in society. NEP 2020’s emphasis on Bharatiya languages and mother tongues supports this, highlighting the importance of multilingualism.
Embrace local and traditional Practices: This involves consciously integrating traditional Bharatiya practices into daily life, whether in arts, crafts, wellness, or social customs. This counters the colonial-conditioned preference for Western validation and helps revive and re-legitimise traditional ways of being and knowing. It contributes to cultural self-esteem and fosters a deeper connection to one’s heritage.
Challenge Colonial-Conditioned Attitudes: Citizens must critically examine their own preferences, biases, and assumptions that may stem from colonial conditioning. This includes questioning the automatic preference for Western products, ideas, or systems, and actively seeking out and valuing Bharatiya alternatives. It requires a conscious effort to recognise and dismantle internalised inferiority, fostering a mindset that values Bharatiya capabilities and perspectives. This self-awareness and reflexivity are crucial for mitigating personal biases.
Youth Participation
The youth of Bharat are uniquely positioned to drive the nation’s journey towards absolute freedom, particularly through innovation grounded in Bharatiya value frameworks and a commitment to building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
Innovate within Bharatiya Value Frameworks: Rather than merely adopting Western models of innovation, the youth of Bharat can lead by developing solutions and technologies that are rooted in traditional knowledge systems and ethical principles. This involves leveraging traditional wisdom in fields like agriculture, basic sciences, engineering, and management, as promoted by the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) division.
Contribute to Viksit Bharat: Youth participation is crucial for realising the vision of a developed Bharat that is not just economically prosperous but also culturally confident and socially equitable. This involves active engagement in various sectors, from entrepreneurship that creates Bharatiya solutions to social activism that promotes inclusivity and challenges lingering colonial biases. Their energy and fresh perspectives can drive the necessary systemic changes and foster a society that truly reflects its own values.
Collective Responsibility: A Shared Vision for Freedom
Achieving absolute freedom is a collective responsibility that demands a shared vision and concerted effort from all citizens. It transcends individual actions, requiring a societal commitment to dismantle colonial residues and foster a truly liberated national consciousness.
Think Local: This involves a collective shift in perspective, prioritising Bharatiya thought, innovation, and cultural expressions. It means fostering an environment where local ideas are celebrated, debated, and developed, rather than being perpetually compared to or validated by Western standards. This collective “thinking local” encourages self-reliance and intellectual autonomy.
Act Responsibly: Citizens must act responsibly in preserving and promoting India’s diverse heritage, ensuring that the decolonisation process is inclusive and respects all traditions without bias. This includes actively participating in democratic processes, holding institutions accountable, and contributing to policies that align with the nation’s authentic identity. Responsible action also means critically evaluating information and mitigating biases, whether in media consumption or personal interactions.
Reject Colonial Residues: This requires a sustained collective effort to identify and actively reject the lingering influences of colonialism in all spheres of life; from language and education to administrative practices and cultural norms. It means challenging outdated systems and advocating for reforms that truly reflect Bharat’s unique civilizational ethos.
