Journey from Prashrit to Atmanirbhar: How India is becoming Independent in second decade of 21st Century
Prachi Vyas/Aditya Hore
Ahmedabad: India being the largest functioning democracy in the world to date, celebrates its 74th Independence Day with adherence to Covid-19 protocol.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the national flag and delivered his seventh consecutive Independence Day speech from the traditional Red Fort on Saturday.
It has been 70 plus years since India got independence from British raj. Sadly, we are unable to attain the standard of lifestyle our freedom fighters fought for. As the 74th anniversary of our independence dawns on us, we are still somewhere chained and enslaved by undone responsibilities and negativity. It is the time to break free from it and fly high towards the truth.
PM Modi is more of our leader when he inspires our countrymen to be Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) in this novel pandemic outbreak. At the outset of this word, atmanirbhar, which broadly translates to self-reliance, may seem to empower.
It refers to freedom, autonomy and self-determination, and makes for a captivating concept. In general terms, atmanirbhar or self-reliance can be interpreted in many ways but mainly as an activity that supports communities that are geared towards environmental and social sustainability and as a socialist policy to develop national industry and independent economy.
When Modi emphasized the need for ‘Atmanirbharta’ in his speech, it gave the impression that he emphasized on building sustainable communities and developing an independent economy.
India has a long history, vast heritage of ancient civilization and enviable cultural background. Our people are endowed with intelligence and they have over the centuries, utilized the gifts of nature to full advantage for meeting various requirements of life. Individuals from our country have been shown in the world in every field, science, arts, technology and the fields of general development and progress.
As India bestows its 74th Independence Day, the idea of being competitive to the world and being a “Vishwa Guru” by helping others prevail through ‘Atmanirbharta’. In the lines of this many great initiatives are being taken by the Government of India in each and every field.
Independence from foreign rulers were established 73 years ago but now is time for dawning the sun of independence from the leaning nature of our country on foreign dependency, be it in the area of goods and commodities, defence and technology or mere education from foreign universities leading to brain-drain of India’s brightest minds. Every aspect of major dependencies (except the healthy imports in the global trade) should and must be eradicated.
To mark the few, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 14th August celebrating the last day of the ‘Atma Nirbharata Week’, launched major 15 indigenous Defence products made by Defence PSUs in the wake of self-reliant India.
One of the 15, Nag Missile Carrier (NAMICA) developed by Ordnance Factory Medak in association with Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, has the potential for import substitution to the tune of Rs. 260 Cr in the first phase, which may go up to more than Rs 3000 Cr.
Moreover, The Konkurs Launchers Test Equipment designed and developed by Bharat Dynamics Limited, BDL, to check the complete functionality of Konkurs Launcher replacing the earlier imported system from Russia will save foreign exchange of USD 17.7 Million.
The indigenous development of Gearbox for the Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessels project by GSL is a success story not only in Self-reliance but also in partnering with a private company, resulting in saving of Rs 37.50 crore for 5 ship sets due to indigenization.
The realisation of this indigenous equipment will take forward the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” Abhiyan initiated by the Centre and will lead to substantial foreign exchange saving for the country in the future.
Further, Government of Gujarat has developed a policy namely, ‘The Student Startup & Innovation Policy’ (SSIP) which aims to create an integrated, state-wide, university-based innovation ecosystem to support innovations and ideas of young students and provide a conducive environment for optimum harnessing of their creative pursuit. Students having innovative ideas will be eligible to get free mentorship and even startup grants.
Startups in an economy’s technology sectors is an important indicator of technological performance for several reasons. Few to note, SSIP aims to create an environment that converts at least 1% graduates into job creators by innovation and allied means.
It also ensures that the innovation processes link academia, society and SMEs through systematic ways so that students and faculty solve their challenges and create further entrepreneurial opportunities.
Talking about how Atmanirbharta can be achieved on an individual level, fading the problem of global warming and clean air without the idea of establishing ‘Oxygen Bars’, the best example which comes to the mind can be of Saalumarada Thimmakka, also known as Aalada Marada Timakka, who is an Indian environmentalist from the state of Karnataka.
She is noted for her work in planting and tending to 385 banyan trees along a four-kilometer stretch of highway between Hulikal and Kudur. She has also planted nearly 8000+ other trees. With the support of her husband, she found solace in planting trees.
She received no formal education and worked as a casual labourer in a nearby quarry. Her work has been honoured with the National Citizen’s Award of India. Her work was recognized by the Government of India and she was conferred with Padma Shri in 2019.
A U.S. environmental organisation based in Los Angeles and Oakland, California called ‘Thimmakka’s Resources for Environmental Education’ is named after her.
Coming back to the PM of this great nation India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi 74th Independence Day announced the launch of the National Digital Health Mission under which every Indian will get a health ID that will store the individual’s medical records.
In his Independence Day address, the Prime Minister said the Mission will help reduce problems in getting treatment in various health facilities in the country and herald a new revolution in the sector.
“From today, a big campaign is being launched in which technology will play a big role. The National Digital Health Mission is being launched today. This will bring a new revolution in India’s health sector and it will help reduce problems in getting treatment with the help of technology,” he said.
“Every Indian will be given a health ID. This health ID will work as each Indian’s health account,” Modi said. Every test, disease and diagnosis, and medical reports along with medicines will be stored in every citizen’s health ID. These health issues will be resolved through this National Digital Health Mission, Modi said while announcing the scheme.
India has 2 countries residing in it, one which keeps complaining about the problems and the other which comes out with exceptional solutions, making impossible looking tasks very much possible. On this occasion of Independence Day, it’s our turn to decide which side are we planning to be, ‘Atmanirbharta’ comes from an individual level. Be the change you want to see. Wishing you a very Happy Independence Day!
Also read: https://www.revoi.in/narendra-modi-on-independence-day-vision-of-modern-india/
