SWADESHI. ATMANIRBHAR, AND INDEPENDENCE

Political freedom and economic freedom are inexorably linked. In July 1905, Lord Curzon, the British Viceroy, announced the Partition of Bengal, a move that was widely resented. It led to a wave of political and economic protest known as the Swadeshi Movement. While no single individual began it, the support came from the trio of "Lal Bal and Pal" - Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal. Aurobindo Ghosh too prominently supported it. The Movement exhorted Indians to boycott imported British goods in favor of those made in India.

Cut to May 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Modi ji launched the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, with the slogan of "Vocal for Local." The aim was to promote and buy locally made goods to strengthen Indian industry. The move is in parallel with similar global trends: American "Buy American Policy," China's "Dual Circulation Strategy," EU's "Strategic autonomy in energy, defence and semi-conductors," and Japan's policy of subsidies for firms returning from China.

As our Independence Day approaches, Atmanirbhar Bharat is even more important. Trumpian tariffs have urgently reinforced global protectionism, and India must strengthen domestic demand for its goods, diversify its export partners, and reduce its vulnerability to unilateral trade decisions.

The reality is that in today's world of shifting alliances, India's ability to stand up as an economic superpower is more crucial than ever. Our political future is unavoidably connected with our economic muscle.

May our tricolor always fly high, and our freedom remain our birthright. Happy Independence Day and Jai Hind.

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