Bharat is on the rise and it is up to each and every one of us to contribute to its progress. By embracing self-reliance and working together, we can build a stronger, more resilient and more prosperous Bharat. We have the power to shape our own destiny and create a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come. Let’s commit ourselves to this important task and work towards a self-reliant Bharat that is able to meet its own needs and take control of its own future.
One of the key principles of Chanakya’s economic thought is the importance of self-sufficiency. He advises rulers to focus on developing their own resources and industries, rather than relying on foreign trade and imports. This principle is still relevant today, as many countries strive to build their own domestic industries and reduce their dependence on foreign imports. Chanakya also emphasises the importance of fair taxation and the proper use of state funds. He advises rulers to collect taxes from the people in a fair and reasonable manner, and to use the collected funds for the benefit of the state and its people. This principle is reflected in modern economic policy, where governments seek to collect taxes in a fair and efficient manner and use the funds for the benefit of the public.
The teachings of Chanakya on economic management are still relevant today. His emphasis on self- sufficiency, fair taxation, and responsible use of state funds continue to be important principles for modern economic policy. In the Arthashastra, Chanakya advises rulers to focus on developing their own resources and industries, rather than relying on foreign trade and imports. He emphasizes the importance of self- sufficiency for the well-being of the state and its people.
Here is a quote from the Arthashastra that illustrates Chanakya’s emphasis on self-sufficiency: “The king who has his own sources of income, who has his own stores of food, who has his own sources of military equipment is not dependent on others and he can withstand all kinds of enemies.” (Arthasasthra) In this passage, Chanakya advises rulers to focus on developing their own sources of income, food, and military equipment, rather than relying on foreign sources. This emphasis on self-sufficiency is meant to ensure the security and independence of the state.
Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, or the Self-Reliant India Campaign, is an economic policy initiative launched by the Government of India in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The policy aims to make India self- reliant by promoting domestic production and consumption, and reducing the country’s reliance on foreign imports.
The policy support has to come from the citizens too. They have to take special care and extra effort to choose and buy domestic products to the maximum extend possible, which will help the domestic economy and create jobs within the country. One should understand that supporting local businesses and initiatives can contribute hugely for self-reliance. For this, one has to be aware of the products and services that are available locally and also about their quality and value and encourage others too by sharing information about this. Engage with your elected representatives and advocate for policies that support domestic industries and reduce dependence on foreign imports.
The epics like Mahabharata contains many lessons and themes that are relevant to modern economics. The importance of self-sufficiency is established where the Kingdom of Pandavas having their own sources of food, water and military equipment. The Mahabharata celebrates the virtues of hard work and resourcefulness. The Pandavas, for example, are described as hardworking and resourceful heroes who overcome challenges through their own efforts. Overall, the Mahabharata as well as the other epics like Ramayana, teaches that self-reliance and economic independence are important values that can contribute to the well-being and prosperity of a society. It also cautions against the dangers of greed and extravagance and emphasizes the importance of hard work and resourcefulness.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerabilities of globalized economies and the limits of globalization as a panacea for all economic ills. One of the ways in which the pandemic has demonstrated this is through supply chain disruptions. The global nature of many supply chains has made it difficult to quickly pivot to alternative sources of goods and materials when disruptions occur. This has led to shortages of essential goods, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), and has had a negative impact on businesses and economies around the world.
The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of domestic production and self-sufficiency. Many countries have had to rely on their own domestic resources and industries to meet the increased demand for essential goods and services during the crisis. This has led some countries, such as India, to prioritize domestic production and self-reliance in their economic policies. COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the limitations of globalization and the importance of domestic production and self-sufficiency for the well-being and stability of economies.
We have the talent, the resources, and the determination to build a self-reliant India. By working together and embracing self-reliance, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come. Let’s join hands and commit ourselves to this important task. Together, we can make India a strong and prosperous nation that is able to meet its own needs and take control of its own destiny.
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