- “Swadeshi” for a Strong India : The Greatest Need of Our Times
– Dr. Mayank Chaturvedi
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Dwarka Expressway and Urban Extension Road-2 in Delhi, his address to the nation was not merely a speech for the moment; it sounded more like a manifesto for India’s future. He asserted that if we are Indians, we must choose goods made in India. Even on Diwali, our resolve should be that everything, from lamps to decorations; must be indigenous, made from our own soil. This appeal is not superficial. It is a deep extension of that very philosophy which the Indian society had embraced during the freedom struggle as the mantra of self-reliance and self-respect. After 75 years of independence, when the Prime Minister repeatedly invokes “Swadeshi,” it is a clear message that in the current world order, the only foundation of India’s strength and security is “Swadeshi.”
Swadeshi: More than an Emotional Appeal
It would be a mistake to regard “Swadeshi” merely as an emotional call. In today’s global scenario, it is an essential formula for economic security, political stability, and social self-esteem. The recent tussle between the United States and India over tariffs; where President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25 percent duty on Indian goods; demonstrates how uncertain and unstable international politics can be. If India remains dependent on imports, its economy can be crushed at any moment under external pressure. This is why the Prime Minister’s call is not just about boosting the domestic market, but a strategy to stay resilient amidst global challenges.
India’s Freedom Struggle: From “Swadeshi” to Independence
In India’s independence movement, leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Mahatma Gandhi treated “Swadeshi” not merely as an economic policy, but as the very foundation of cultural awakening. When they set foreign clothes to flames and launched the Swadeshi movement, it was not just a protest against British textiles- it was an awakening of the Indian spirit, making society realize that freedom could only come from faith in its own roots, production, and labor. This very philosophy is being revived today in Modi’s call for Swadeshi. The only difference is that while earlier the pressure came from colonial rule, today it comes from global capitalism. Then, British mills threatened Indian handlooms; today, foreign brands and cheap imports dominate Indian markets. In both cases, the answer lies in “Swadeshi.”
Results Flow from the Unity of Society and Government
The Prime Minister cited examples ranging from toys to mobile phones. A decade ago, India was heavily dependent on imports even for toys. Today, after the “Vocal for Local” campaign, India not only meets its own needs but exports toys to over a hundred countries. The same transformation is visible in mobile phone production; eleven years ago, India almost entirely relied on imported phones; today, 300–350 million phones are manufactured annually within the country, with a substantial portion exported. These figures are not just stories of industrial progress- they prove that self-reliance is achievable, provided society and government work together to prioritize domestic production.
His example of Khadi is particularly significant. At one point, Khadi was nearly extinct. Yet, with positive efforts under the Modi government and public support, Khadi sales have increased sevenfold. This is not just a story of fabric sales, but a symbol of the mindset where Indians embrace domestic products with pride. If Khadi can find its place in the global fashion world, the message is clear; Indian consumers and traders, once determined, can make Swadeshi products competitive at any level.
Swadeshi: A Path to Ending Unemployment
For a vast nation like India, “Swadeshi” is not merely a means of economic strength; it is the greatest source of employment. India’s biggest challenge is unemployment. If production depends on foreign companies, jobs too will be generated abroad. But if production is rooted in Indian soil, labor, and resources, millions of youth will find employment here. The “Atmanirbhar Bharat” campaign brings forth this truth: adopting Swadeshi is not just a consumer’s duty- it is a national strategy for job creation.
The importance of Swadeshi has grown internationally as well. Global supply chains are frequently disrupted. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world was overly dependent on China, it became clear how dangerous such dependence can be. India, at that time, displayed remarkable self-reliance in medical equipment, PPE kits, vaccines, and medicines; sending a strong message that we can stand on our own. That spirit of self-reliance must now be made permanent.
Changing the Mindset of Consumers and Traders
When the Prime Minister urges traders to proudly sell “Made in India” goods, it is in fact an appeal to change the mindset of both traders and consumers. For long, the Indian market was ruled by the belief that foreign goods were more durable and attractive. That mindset is now shifting. From toys to mobile phones, from Khadi to fashion products; Indian goods are competing in quality. Modi’s call is to make this change irreversible.
Swadeshi and National Security
The importance of “Swadeshi” goes beyond trade; it is tied to national security. If India depends entirely on foreign suppliers for defense, it will be vulnerable in times of crisis. This is why the government has emphasized self; reliance in defense production as well. “Make in India” is not confined to consumer goods; it extends to weapons, technology, and even space programs. Missions like Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan are embodiments of this self-reliant vision.
The Swadeshi Campaign in a Global Context
Amid present global economic conditions, where every nation is strengthening its borders and leaning toward protectionism, India’s “Swadeshi campaign” becomes all the more relevant. Even the United States, a superpower, seeks to protect its industries by raising import tariffs. For India, therefore, protecting its industries and artisans becomes even more essential. In reality, strengthening our production capacity and presenting it proudly before the world is the true spirit of Swadeshi.
Swadeshi is No Longer an Option, but a Necessity
When Prime Minister Modi repeatedly says that “Swadeshi” is essential for a strong India, he is underscoring the greatest need of our time. This is not merely an economic policy; it is the manifesto of 21st-century India. Without Swadeshi, Atmanirbhar Bharat is impossible; and without Atmanirbhar Bharat, the dream of a developed India remains incomplete. This is not just a political slogan; it is a question of national survival.
Therefore, when as Indian consumers we let go of our attraction for foreign goods, we are not merely changing the direction of the market; we are safeguarding the future of our farmers, workers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. This is the wider meaning of Swadeshi: it is not just about buying local products, but about protecting our society, economy, and nation. For this reason, Swadeshi must no longer remain an option; it must become a necessity of our lives.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Mayank Chaturvedi
