Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar Urges India to Focus on Local Production and Economic Nationalism
New Delhi, India – Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar has called for a shift towards economic nationalism, urging the industry, trade, and commerce sectors to prioritize local production and reduce avoidable imports. Dhankhar emphasized that economic nationalism is a key element of the Swadeshi movement and the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, highlighting the negative impact of unnecessary imports on the economy, such as draining foreign exchange and hindering job creation for Indian workers.
Dhankhar noted, ‘Our reliance on imported items like carpets, garments, and toys is not only sending our foreign exchange abroad but also impeding the growth of domestic entrepreneurship.’ He urged industries to focus on local production to generate employment and promote entrepreneurial growth within India.
Speaking at the Swarna Bharat Trust in Venkatachalam, Dhankhar stressed the importance of responsible natural resource use, advocating for consumption based on necessity rather than financial power. He warned that excessive resource use driven by economic strength poses a significant risk to future generations. ‘If we spend unnecessarily based on the power of money, we are putting the future generation in danger,’ he said.
Dhankhar also expressed concern about the export of raw materials like iron ore without value addition, stating that it not only limits job creation but also weakens the national economy. ‘It is troubling to see our iron ore being exported without any added value. We must not prioritize quick financial gains over long-term national interests,’ he emphasized.
He called for a unified effort to prioritize the nation’s welfare above political, personal, and economic interests, and expressed confidence that this change in mindset is achievable. Quoting a Shloka from the Rig Veda–‘sNgcchdhvN sNvddhvN sN vo’ (Let us move together, let us speak in one voice)–Dhankhar urged, ‘Let us move together. Let us speak in one voice, and always for the nation.’ Emphasizing the importance of national unity, he added, ‘Let us always keep the nation above everything else.’
Dhankhar also highlighted the urgent need for tangible actions that bring real change to the lives of ordinary citizens who have given up hope. He paid tribute to former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, praising his lifelong dedication to the nation and unwavering commitment to public service. ‘It is easy to emulate his principles and ideals, but difficult to get into his shoes. His is a life dedicated to welfare of the nation, an unflinching commitment to ideals, and his heart is in rural India. Right from the time I stepped into the premises of the Swarna Bharat Trust, I saw civilisation in action!’ Dhankhar said, reflecting on Naidu’s legacy as he visited the Swarna Bharat Trust.
Doubts Revealed
Vice-President -: The Vice-President is the second-highest official in India, just below the President. He helps in running the country and takes over if the President can’t do his job.
Jagdeep Dhankhar -: Jagdeep Dhankhar is the current Vice-President of India. He helps in making important decisions for the country.
economic nationalism -: Economic nationalism means focusing on making and using things made in your own country to help its economy grow.
local production -: Local production means making goods and products within your own country instead of buying them from other countries.
imports -: Imports are goods and products that a country buys from other countries.
Swarna Bharat Trust -: Swarna Bharat Trust is an organization in India that works on social and educational projects to help people.
resource use -: Resource use means how we use things like water, minerals, and other natural materials to make products.
value addition -: Value addition means improving a product by processing it or adding something to it before selling it.
national unity -: National unity means people in a country working together and supporting each other.
M Venkaiah Naidu -: M Venkaiah Naidu is a former Vice-President of India who worked hard to serve the public and help the country.