Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call in 2020 for an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) highlighted the reality that in a post-COVID-19 world, India cannot exist in isolation.
How does the world influence the domestic aspects of a nation?
The pandemic has shown us that whether it is the stressed economy or human rights, rural development or climate change, defence or foreign policy, we need to re-imagine the way forward for India and its relationship with the world.
The ripple effects of the war in Ukraine on our economy and democracy make it imperative for us to continuously engage with the world around us.
As Rabindranath Tagore said, it is not possible to remain behind “narrow domestic walls”.
What is Atmanirbhar Bharat?
Atmanirbhar Bharat refers to a self-reliant India dealing with the world on its own terms.
It is is neither protectionist nor isolationist.
In2020, the Government announced the Special comprehensive package of Rs 20 lakh crores (10% of India’s GDP) to kick start the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan (Self-reliant India campaign).
The five pillars of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat are
Economy
Infrastructure
System
Vibrant Demography
Demand
What is the relevance of the ideational foundation of this concept?
Mahatma Gandhi’s call for Swadeshi galvanised our nation. Likewise, Atmanirbhar Bharat is Swadeshi tailored to India in 2022.
Within the country it is important that the conflicting aspirations and expectations of States are managed and harmonised to present a united, confident and self-reliant India.
For example, the aspirations of the Dravidian model of development and other regional-specific aspirations should synchronise with the holistic concept of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
National identity is essential for modern states, especially when states are built around liberal democratic political values and the shared experiences of diverse communities.
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers C.N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi ensured that their politics were regionally distinct while staying uncompromisingly nationalistic.
In 1967 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Dravidian icon Periyar supported the Congress party and not the DMK, while C. Rajagopalachari supported the DMK.
How should be the model of self-reliant India?
Contributor rather than a consumer- Atmanirbharta model for a rising India should be based on civilisational pride, experience and a self-belief that will help India be a contributor to the world rather than only a consumer.
Tailoring to suit the needs- No one-size-fits-all Western model can work for a country as diverse as India, as evidenced by the catastrophic financial crisis of 2008.
Defence, human rights, climate change, agriculture, the rural-urban divide, economy, governance and federalism are all addressed in the five pillars of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Human-centric model- Social capital, family and communities are now at the centre of a development model.
Atmanirbhar Bharat is a human-centric way forward based on our own civilisational ethos and values.
It envisages a self-reliant India working for Vasudaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).
