NCERT Launches 'Swadeshi' Modules to Inspire Next Generation in Self-Reliance

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has unveiled two innovative educational modules titled 'Swadeshi: Vocal for Local.' These modules aim to align Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Atmanirbhar Bharat vision with the famed Swadeshi Movement from India's history.

Beginning with excerpts from the Prime Minister's 79th Independence Day speech, the modules emphasize self-reliance as a cornerstone of national strength and dignity. The modules revisit how the Swadeshi Movement, declared in 1905, urged the boycott of British goods in favor of Indian-made products, becoming an enduring symbol of India's quest for self-reliance.

Linking past to present, the texts introduce students to contemporary initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission aimed at reducing import reliance. This effort is part of a broader strategy to establish India as a global innovation hub, vital for both economic growth and national security.

Highlighting grassroots entrepreneurship, the modules feature stories like that of a woman in Kerala leading Bodhi Sathwa Coir Works and a youth in Rajasthan turning a gaushala into a product innovation center. These stories reflect the spirit of 'Vocal for Local' and are supported by the government's One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, showcasing India's regional specialties on global platforms.

Further, ODOP efforts are noted for reviving Swadeshi philosophy by providing sustainable markets to artisans. Educators use relatable examples, like children selecting traditional dolls, to make the concept of Swadeshi engaging and relatable for students.

Framed within a civilizational context, the modules celebrate India's historical contributions to knowledge and technology. They underscore that India's ancient spirit of self-reliance continues to resonate today, driving the nation toward a future as a developed nation.