The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced new educational modules centered on "Swadeshi," connecting the historical Swadeshi Movement of 1905 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a self-reliant India. These modules aim to instill values of self-reliance, entrepreneurship at the grassroots level, and national pride in students.
Historical Context and Contemporary Relevance
The modules trace the Swadeshi movement from its origins in the Indian freedom struggle, when the British divided Bengal in 1905. This era saw Indian markets flooded with inexpensive British goods, which crippled local industries and left artisans unemployed. The Swadeshi movement urged people to reject imported items and embrace Indian-made products. The call for Swadeshi became a potent tool in India's fight for independence, fostering new enterprises and industries owned by Indians. Examples cited in the modules include Bengal Chemical and Pharmaceutical Works and Tata Iron and Steel Company.
These modules connect this historical movement to contemporary initiatives like Make in India, Start-up India, Digital India, Vocal for Local, and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Prime Minister Modi has emphasized self-reliance as the foundation for a developed India. In an address to teachers, he encouraged them to promote Swadeshi products with their students to boost "Make in India" and "Vocal for Local".
Module Content and Objectives
NCERT has published two modules: "Swadeshi: Vocal for Local" for middle school students and "Swadeshi: For a Self-Reliant India" for secondary school students. These modules include excerpts from Prime Minister Modi's Independence Day speeches, highlighting self-reliance as a driver for India's journey towards becoming a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India).
The modules aim to highlight India's achievements in space, defense, health, and industries through self-reliance. They cite Mahatma Gandhi's advocacy for Swadeshi in education and Rabindranath Tagore's belief that true freedom arises when a nation develops and innovates independently. The modules emphasize that Swadeshi can strengthen India's manufacturing base through "Make in India" and build global trust in Indian brands like Amul, ISRO, and Ayurveda.
The lessons within the modules use relatable, everyday examples to connect Swadeshi to students' lives. For instance, the modules highlight children choosing traditional toys like Channapatna dolls and Thanjavur bobblehead dolls as gifts, supporting local craftsmanship while offering eco-friendly alternatives to imported products. The modules also encourage families to use locally made items during festivals.
Integrating Swadeshi with Modern Initiatives
The modules introduce students to the India Semiconductor Mission, which aims to reduce import dependence and build domestic capabilities in the semiconductor sector. This sector is crucial for various industries, including smartphones, automobiles, and defense systems. The modules emphasize the importance of semiconductors for economic growth and national security, highlighting India's investments in chip fabrication and design facilities.
The government's One District One Product (ODOP) initiative is also featured, noting that over 1,200 unique products have been identified from over 750 districts, ranging from handicrafts to food processing items. These products are promoted internationally through platforms like GeM and ONDC, with dedicated "ODOP Walls" in cities like Singapore, Milan, New York, and Tokyo. The modules stress that ODOP revives the Swadeshi movement's core philosophy by providing sustainable markets for artisans and preserving India's cultural heritage.
Broader Educational Context
These modules reflect the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's emphasis on incorporating Indian values, knowledge systems, and traditions into the curriculum. The NEP 2020 aims to create an education system rooted in the Indian context and ethos, ensuring that education is relevant, interesting, and effective for students. It promotes an entrepreneurial mindset from the school level. NCERT has also revised textbooks to highlight Indian figures and values, moving away from Eurocentric narratives.
