From Swadeshi to Self-Reliance: NCERT Explores India’s Journey from Bengal Partition to PM’s Vision for Viksit Bharat

New Delhi: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced special modules on ‘Swadeshi’, showcasing its journey from the early 1900s to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for self-reliance today.

During his Independence Day speech, PM Modi said that a “self-reliant Bharat” is crucial for a developed India. He encouraged teachers to lead their students in campaigns promoting swadeshi products, which ties into initiatives like “Make in India” and “Vocal for Local.”

The NCERT has released two modules: “Swadeshi: Vocal for Local” for middle school students and “Swadeshi: For a Self-Reliant India” for secondary students. These modules include excerpts from Modi’s speech emphasizing self-reliance as key to India’s future.

The Swadeshi movement began in 1905 during India’s struggle for independence when British goods flooded local markets, harming Indian artisans. The movement encouraged people to support Indian-made products instead, which helped revive local industries. Iconic Indian companies like Bengal Chemical, founded in 1901, and Tata Iron and Steel, established in 1907, emerged from this spirit.

Former Rajya Sabha MP Tarlochan Singh has pointed out that Baba Ram Singh, leader of the Namdhari sect of Sikhs, played a vital role in initiating the Swadeshi movement back in 1860 and deserves recognition.

The NCERT modules highlight India’s success in areas like space and health, attributing this to self-reliance. They reference Mahatma Gandhi, who promoted swadeshi in education, and Rabindranath Tagore, who viewed it as the true measure of a nation’s freedom and ability to innovate.

The modules argue that swadeshi can enhance India’s manufacturing sector and build global trust in Indian brands, using examples like Amul in dairy and ISRO in space. They suggest that India could eventually export more than it imports, gaining global respect and wealth.

Today, swadeshi is also linked to modern initiatives such as “Digital India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat.” The modules mention that, just as cotton and steel were vital during the freedom movement, artificial intelligence (AI) is essential now. The aim is to develop homegrown AI solutions that cater to India’s unique needs, ensuring data sovereignty and reducing reliance on foreign technology.

Interestingly, countries like Vietnam and Israel are cited as examples of how strategic self-reliance can drive growth. The modules conclude that the Swadeshi movement, which empowered India against colonial rule in 1905, remains relevant today as the country strives for self-reliance in a globalized, technology-driven world.

By investing in research, innovation, and strong local industries—from semiconductors to renewable energy—India can navigate global challenges and emerge as one of the leading economies.

Source link

NCERT,CBSE Schools,vocal for local,Atmanirbhar Bharat,PM Modi