The Research Dialogue

Author(s) : Dr Santosh Kumar Rout¹, Sri Goutam Parida²

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64880/theresearchdialogue.v5i2.23

Abstract

    The Swadeshi Movement occupies a distinctive place in India’s nationalist discourse as an economic philosophy aimed at achieving self-reliance, indigenous industrial development, and economic freedom. While initially emerging as a political response to British colonial exploitation, Swadeshi gradually evolved into a comprehensive economic doctrine advocating domestic production, indigenous entrepreneurship, and national economic sovereignty. This study critically examines the economic dimensions of Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s Swadeshi philosophy and evaluates its continuing relevance in contemporary India.

          Using qualitative research methods based on secondary sources, the study analyses historical documents, scholarly literature, government policy reports, and economic interpretations of Swadeshi. The research argues that Tilak’s economic nationalism laid the intellectual foundation for India’s later policies on cottage industries, small-scale enterprises, cooperative institutions, and self-reliant economic development. Contemporary initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, Startup India, Vocal for Local, and MSME promotion demonstrate the renewed significance of Swadeshi principles in the era of globalization.

      The paper further identifies research gaps concerning the integration of Swadeshi philosophy with digital economies, sustainable development, artificial intelligence, and global value chains. It concludes that Swadeshi should not merely be interpreted as a historical boycott movement but as a dynamic framework for inclusive growth, technological innovation, employment generation, environmental sustainability, and national economic resilience. The findings contribute to the growing literature on economic nationalism and provide policy recommendations for strengthening India’s path toward sustainable economic independence.

Keywords: Swadeshi, Economic Nationalism, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Self-Reliance, Indigenous Industries, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Economic Independence, Sustainable Development.

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