Political Literacy: The Unseen Force Driving (or Stifling) a Nation's Economic Destiny

 

This video appears to illustrate the party's intellectual shortcomings, deficiency in patience, and pronounced arrogance, which collectively impede their receptiveness to superior ideas. This resistance is particularly notable given their extended period in office—over half a century. It underscores the point that educational attainment does not necessarily correlate with intelligence.

The bedrock of a nation's destiny is its economy. It is the fundamental force that erects the grand edifice of a nation, within which independent chambers like the military, diplomacy, infrastructure, foreign relations, and foreign trade reside. The symphony of their coordinated efforts orchestrates a nation's standing in global forums, determining not the volume of its voice, but the weight of its pronouncements.

India's economic saga is a testament to this profound truth. From a zenith in 1 AD, when our land commanded an astounding 33% of the global economy, a vibrant tapestry of entrepreneurship and trade propelled us to unprecedented heights. This was an era when the ingenuity of our people fueled a prosperity that echoed across continents. Yet, a precipitous decline followed, culminating in a dismal 3.4% by 1947, a figure we languished around for far too long. The post-independence era, tragically, saw governments adrift, seemingly disconnected from our glorious heritage. The very spirit of enterprise, woven into the fabric of our culture, was not merely ignored but actively stifled, replaced by state-controlled behemoths that devoured public resources and stifled innovation. This journey into economic lassitude reached its nadir in 1991, forcing us to mortgage our gold and approach international lenders with a begging bowl.The grudging embrace of economic liberalization in 1991,

born out of compulsion, marked a turning point. However, it was the advent of the BJP-led NDA government in 1996, under the visionary leadership of Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, that ignited a new dawn. The nation, for the first time, heard of disinvestment, the Golden Quadrilateral, and the ambitious interlinking of rivers – not just for irrigation, but as vital inland waterways. The defiance of the 1998 nuclear tests, met with inevitable sanctions, became a crucible for national resolve. Far from being dampened, our collective spirit rose to the challenge, fostering an "animal spirit" of entrepreneurship that spurred dramatic economic growth, a phenomenon previously unseen. The subsequent political choices of 2004, a poignant display of political illiteracy, momentarily dimmed this nascent optimism. However, the inherent momentum of economic activity carried us forward until 2008, before a renewed descent into a morass of scams and corruption cast a pall over the nation, culminating in a resounding public rejection of the incumbent government in 2014.

Since 2014, India has embarked on an economic renaissance that is nothing short of transformative. The nation, once shackled by self-imposed limitations, is now a testament to what an unfettered spirit can achieve. The dramatic strides in financial inclusion are emblematic of this shift. In 2014, only 53% of adults held bank accounts; today, the expansion is staggering, with over 520 million new accounts opened within just four months of that pivotal year. India's nominal GDP, which took 60 years to reach its first trillion dollars, and another seven to reach two trillion, has demonstrably doubled from approximately $2.1 trillion to a projected $4.2–$4.3 trillion in the past decade alone – a testament to an accelerated growth trajectory.

This resurgence is not confined to the titans of industry. It is a profound, inclusive revolution extending to the very grassroots of our economy. The formal inclusion of street vendors and micro-entrepreneurs, empowered by digital payments and Mudra loans, represents the broadening base of a massive economic pyramid. Farmers are now liberated from the clutches of usurious moneylenders, accessing formal credit. Women, through self-help groups and innovative training programs like drone operation for agriculture, are emerging as powerful economic agents. While challenges remain in areas like large-scale food processing and affordable storage, the strategic plugging of leakages through Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) is yielding tangible results.

The nation's infrastructure is undergoing a breathtaking metamorphosis: new trains, airports, modernized railway stations, world-class hospitals, IITs, and medical colleges. An expansive network of roads, highways, and expressways crisscrosses the landscape, complemented by electrified railways and dedicated freight corridors. Even religious tourism has become a catalyst for economic vitality, as evidenced by the Maha Kumbh, where a family of boatmen alone earned an astonishing ₹130 million in just 45 days. Timely project completion, by eliminating cost overruns, liberates capital for new ventures and attracts crucial Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), directly contributing to increased per capita income at every level of the economic strata. Furthermore, the strategic exploitation of solar, wind, and hydro power, alongside the burgeoning focus on green hydrogen, electric vehicles, and defense manufacturing and exports, paints a vivid picture of a nation forging its own path to sustainable and self-reliant prosperity.

What has @narendramodi done in the last 11 years - except provide 100 million gas connections, build 112 million toilets, disburse 370 million health cards, pull 250 million Indians out of crippling poverty? If you know of someone who has done more, by all means vote for him.Click this link to watch the VideoAnand Ranganathan

https://x.com/anilkohli54/status/1931246358671049103

Our former finance minister speaking in the Parliament had not one word of encouragement for the new digital Payment system launched in this country in 2015.A visiting Minister from germany experiences the ease of Digital Payment

The sheer scale of achievements in the past 11 years is monumental and publicly documented. The 520 million beneficiaries of the Mudra loan scheme, who have collectively received over ₹33 lakh crore in collateral-free loans, represent a phenomenal generation of new job creators. This is not merely economic growth; it is a profound reawakening of the national spirit, a powerful assertion that India, the ancient economic giant, is not just reclaiming its rightful place, but is on an inexorable trajectory towards its previous exalted position in the global order. The journey from being a laggard to a leader is a testament to the indomitable will of a people and a nation that was once shackled, but now soars. The repeated mandate from the people serves as an unyielding validation of this exhilarating ascent, a rejection of stagnation, and a resounding declaration of a future where India's voice will resonate, not through decibels, but through the sheer weight of its economic prowess and the profound impact of its renewed destiny.

Extreme poverty in India sees sharp decline! Number dips from 344.47 million to 75.24 million;

poverty rate down to 5.3%, says World Bank

At World Bank’s raised poverty line of $3 a day, extreme poverty rate falls to 5.3% in 2022-23 from 27.1% in 2011-12 https://indianexpress.com/article/business/world-bank-poverty-line-rate-falls-2022-23-10051890/ via @IndianExpress

India's extreme poverty rate dropped sharply to 5.3% due to free, subsidised food transfers: World Bank data shows https://www.livemint.com/economy/indias-extreme-poverty-rate-dropped-sharply-to-5-3-due-to-free-subsidised-food-transfers-world-bank-data-shows-11749308171240.html

Surya Ghar Yojana: Finally, the Right Spark for Untapped Power of Bharat?

 

While we recognise the need for Large SolarParks Which are like the Seas & Oceans.

What an absolutely thrilling time to be a citizen of Bharat, especially with the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana! It's genuinely intriguing to ponder why such a brilliant initiative, centered around the abundant blessings of sunlight and solar energy—resources never subject to governmental control or scarcity in our incredible nation—hasn't been fully embraced by governments from 1952 all the way to 2024. After all, India boasts a rich history with solar energy, dating back to William Adams' pioneering solar cooker in 1878! And let's not forget the incredible strides made in the 1980s, driven by visionary government initiatives and subsidies, which saw 340,000 solar cookers distributed in just 12 years. Similarly, solar water heaters have been a part of our energy landscape since the 1980s, actively promoted with admirable subsidies and incentives.

It's truly inspiring to see a proactive approach to harnessing solar energy for power generation now. While the past may have presented its own unique challenges, perhaps a focus on immediate solutions or a deep dive into potential technical hurdles, we can now look forward with immense optimism. It took a Prime Minister with a profound vision and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of our people and our beloved nation to champion this magnificent scheme. Of course, challenges are a natural part of any ambitious endeavor, but with a positive and forward-thinking mindset, we can undoubtedly overcome them. Let's not get bogged down in anticipated obstacles, but rather keep our eyes firmly on the prize: a future powered by the sun, offering immense, all-encompassing benefits for every corner of our country!

This truly makes one curious: is the target of 1 crore (10,000,000) Surya Ghars merely the exhilarating initial phase, or is it the ultimate, grand aspiration for a nation as vast and dynamic as ours? Today's urban landscape is rapidly evolving, with independent dwellings giving way to vibrant gated housing colonies and apartment buildings that stand tall across our metros, Tier 1, and Tier 2 cities. It's a natural question to ask how this visionary scheme will embrace such modern living spaces. If it does, how will it unfold? And if not, why not?

Credit for this image :Bloomberg.

Credit for this image TATA Power.

Surely, the ultimate target for this groundbreaking initiative should be significantly higher, empowering every single citizen to become a proud contributor to our national endeavor of harnessing clean and green energy! Solar energy, as a fundamental natural resource, holds the incredible potential to make not just coal, but even imported gas, redundant for electricity production. Imagine the positive ripple effect on our import bill and foreign trade balance – a truly magnificent prospect!

One can only hope that the Union government is already envisioning a manifold increase in its target of 1 crore Surya Ghars. And as for apartment owners, what exciting modalities and conditions will enable their enthusiastic participation? We eagerly anticipate a concerted effort from both Union and State governments to illuminate these vital points.

It's wonderful to observe that many buildings in my own complex already utilize solar panels, primarily for common area requirements. If common areas can be so effectively powered, why not extend this incredible benefit to the residents themselves? Perhaps a forward-thinking approach could even make it mandatory for developers to integrate solar power into all new projects, while existing structures can follow a smooth and accessible path to participate in this transformative scheme.

This isn't merely about saving on electricity bills; it's about something far grander – contributing excess electricity to the national grid, thereby fueling nation-building and development! Imagine the collective power of our housing complexes lighting up local streetlights and community compounds! Fewer power-producing stations, reduced stress on our grids, and uninterrupted power supply for vital industries and the farming sector – the positive impact would be absolutely monumental.

Just picture the astonishing collective impact if every single apartment were to contribute even a modest 1KW per day, not drawing from, but adding to the national grid! It's a truly inspiring vision, and we can only hope and believe that the Union and all State governments will wholeheartedly embrace this objective, working tirelessly to achieve this magnificent, solar-powered future for India. The sun is shining brightly on our nation's energy future!

Link to read PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY), the world’s largest domestic rooftop solar initiative, has achieved a historic milestone with 10 lakh homes now solar-powered as of 10th March 2025.

Link to the ArticleTired of rising electricity bills? ‘Ghar Ghar Solar, Tata Power ke Sang’ is your answer. Aligned with the visionary PM Surya Ghar Yojana, the har ghar solar yojana is a game-changer. 

Extremely encouraging to notice the innovation in Solar Power Sector. Hope the Union government takes note of this. https://x.com/hellojainam/status/1930932397618389176

Khadi From a Humble Fabric to Nation's Identity Icon

 

It's truly astonishing to witness the remarkable journey of Khadi, from its incredibly humble beginnings to its current global prominence. To truly understand this transformation, we must delve into its rich history.

The story of Khadi is intrinsically linked with India's fight for independence.

When the Satyagraha movement was launched in 1917,

Khadi made its incredibly modest debut in 1918.

Initially, the British rulers dismissed Khadi as a minor blip,

as textile imports remained largely unaffected by 1920. However,

the tide began to turn with the boycott of foreign-made textiles.

The horrors of 1943, when millions perished due to a man-made famine

caused by the diversion of foodgrains to Britain for soldiers at war,

fueled a deeper sense of resistance.

Khadi transformed from a simple fabric into a powerful

statement of self-reliance and a symbol of defiance against colonial exploitation.

This humble fabric became an extraordinary unifying force

for a country brimming with unparalleled diversity.

Imagine a nation where, according to the 2001 Census of India,

an astounding 122 major languages and 1,599 other languages and dialects are spoken,

alongside equally diverse and numerous cuisines and cultures!

The tradition of textile weaving was not new to this land;

this craft had existed for millennia, since 2000 BCE,

allowing Khadi to take strong roots.

Because Khadi was initially restricted to cottage industries, it gained immense

popularity in rural India.

Production, sales, and which, unfortunately,

means comprehensive data on these early figures scarce.

Known for its comfort and ease of maintenance,

Khadi continued to make gradual inroads.

Freedom fighters adopted Khadi as their everyday wear, favoring ethnic styles and attire. Subsequently, the political class embraced Khadi as their preferred fabric for daily use.

Like many things, this humble fabric was also a victim of neglect and governmental apathy until 1956, when the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Act was passed. Initially, no serious effort was made to shift Khadi from cottage industry to power loom weaving, as towns and cities were not yet acquainted with it. Post-independence, hesitant efforts were made to begin weaving Khadi on power looms to further increase its reach into urban centers. Early distribution centers, often ashram-based sales points, emerged as part of the movement, paving the way for the commercial retail environment Khadi enjoys today. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), a statutory body, was officially formed in April 1957. Mumbai saw its landmark "Khadi Emporium" established in 1954, and the Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan in Chennai was inaugurated on October 16, 1957.

I vividly recall in the mid-1970s, when low-budget cinema found acceptance among audiences, a Khadi Kurta over a pair of jeans became a genuine fashion statement among college-goers. This led to Khadi being worn more regularly and often. Spring, summer, and autumn were ideal seasons for Khadi. It became fashionable to wear Khadi when going out for dinner, often with a shawl draped over one's shoulders to ward off the slight chill experienced in late autumn in Delhi.The other distinct memory I have is of purchasing White Khadi Kurta Pyjama exclusively for Holi celebrations instead of regular trousers & t-shirts or shirts, this trend continued for at least a couple of decades, The more adventurous even experimented with wearing Khadi in winter months. At that time, there was only a single sales outlet for Khadi in Delhi:Unfortunately I can’t locate any image of that outlet on the net today, however the images of the current outlets are available, there are many more outlets today in Delhi than the solitary we had in the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s. "Khadi GramUdyog." Khadi a coarse,rustic but incredibly affordable, suggesting that revenues must have been extremely modest given the prices paid for Khadi apparel. The store itself was dimly lit and a nightmare for shoppers, with everything moving at a snail's pace.

My most recent visit to that very same outlet in 2014 left me absolutely amazed by the makeover it had received! It was swanky by earlier standards, brightly lit, and spread over three floors, offering a wide range of apparel and Khadi fabric. Blended with other fibers, it ranged from coarse to incredibly fine with a wonderfully soft feel. My personal favorites are the silk-blended solid color Khadi, and occasionally, I indulge in jacquards and hand-printed Khadi apparel. For me, solid colors and jacquards offer the best look (a personal choice and opinion, of course!).

Fortunately, some data is now available, illustrating Khadi's incredible growth. Khadi sales were around ₹581 crore in late 2013, rising to an impressive ₹750 crore by March 2014.

Just as everything else has transformed for the better in this vibrant country, this humble fabric has also experienced phenomenal growth. The data speaks for itself:

2013–14: ₹1,081.04 crore (Khadi only)

2022–23: ₹5,942.93 crore (Khadi only)

2023–24: ₹6,496 crore (Khadi only)

Prime Minister Modi he exclusively supports ethnic wear in Khadi all the time, has emerged as the tallest and most impactful brand ambassador for this humble fabric,. Khadi. With his strong advocacy, Khadi has truly become a style and fashion statement on the global stage, a testament to its remarkable journey from a symbol of resistance to an icon of global fashion and nation’s identity!

The Unyielding Spirit of India's Street Vendors

 

The raw determination and unwavering spirit of street vendors and hawkers have always resonated deeply with me. I wrote about their plight in January 2018, long before the government began to view them with more sympathy. Their daily struggle, often hidden in plain sight, is a testament to the human will to survive and thrive against overwhelming odds.

These individuals face an onslaught of challenges, yet their resolve remains unbroken. One can't help but marvel: Why do they persist through such hardship? Why haven't they resorted to crime?

Each vendor supports a nuclear family of at least four in urban areas, and often contributes to an extended family of six or seven in rural India. They aren't just feeding their immediate kin; they're vital pillars for the sustenance of families back home.

Their occupational challenges are immense. Many deal in perishable goods, a constant race against time and decay. The ever-present threat of a sudden bandh or riot can wipe out their day's earnings and destroy their merchandise. Add to this the vagaries of weather and simply "bad days at the office," and their financial precariousness becomes stark.

Access to money is another significant hurdle. Many lack bank accounts or, if they have one, can't secure formal loans. This forces them into the clutches of private moneylenders who charge exorbitant daily interest rates, leading to mounting debt with every day of nil sales. On top of this, they face constant extortion from local thugs and even corrupt elements within law enforcement and municipal authorities.

Despite these crushing pressures – the needs of both their nuclear and extended families, the constant financial strain, and the relentless exploitation – they continue to skillfully bargain, smile, and serve us. It's truly astonishing.

And if that wasn't enough, the dreaded municipal flying squad can seize their merchandise, forcing them to scrounge for additional resources to pay fines and reclaim their goods, losing precious trading time in the process.

It's astounding that as a nation, we have largely excluded such a significant number of citizens from our formal financial system. These aren't just vendors; they are entrepreneurs. They may not have plush offices or employ hundreds, but each one is an employment creator, not a job seeker.

For too long, we have overlooked this resilient section of our society. It's high time we address the systemic issues they face. Can our governments truly deliver justice to these incredibly tenacious individuals? Their spirit to survive, against all adversity, demands nothing less.

Link to read about PM SVANidhi scheme Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on June 1, 2020, supports street vendors with collateral-free loans up to ₹10,000 for one year. It promotes economic upliftment, digital literacy, and reduced dependency on informal credit, benefiting approximately 50 lakh vendors.

In conclusion We must regulate yet also care for these Street Vendors, they are an integral part our life.

Phalgam Terror attack the trigger for operation Sindoor

 

                

On 22nd April 2025 in Pahalgam 26 innocent Indians were murdered in the presence of their spouses & other family members at point blank only after their religious identity had been established underscores India's enduring security challenges emanating from Pakistan.  For over five decades, India has grappled with cross-border terrorism, losing countless civilians and security personnel across various regions, including the Northeast, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir. Every terror outfit responsible for these attacks has found support beyond India's borders. While diplomatic and economic pressures, including the strategic use of water resources, are part of India's toolkit, their long-term effectiveness in deterring cross-border terrorism remains a subject of debate. Even decisive responses like the surgical strike and Balakot airstrike haven't fully prevented such tragedies, signaling a need for a more comprehensive and potentially radical reassessment of India's approach.

Historical Roots of State-Sponsored Terrorism

The adoption of terror as a state policy by Pakistan is deeply rooted in its post-1971 geopolitical reality. Following the profound defeat in 1971 and the secession of East Pakistan to become Bangladesh, both Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and General Zia-ul-Haq recognized Pakistan's limitations in engaging India in conventional warfare. This stark realization led to a strategic shift towards unconventional methods, culminating in the adoption of a policy aimed at "bleeding India through a thousand cuts.

Link to this videoSurrender of 93000 Pakistan Army soldiers in 1971

This strategy gained further traction under General Pervez Musharraf. Leveraging the geopolitical landscape of the Soviet-Afghan War, Pakistan, with significant financial and material support from the United States, became a key conduit for arming and training militants disguised as Afghan Mujahideen. These groups included elements that would later form the Taliban. The US, hesitant to deploy its own troops, channeled substantial resources through Pakistan, inadvertently fostering a sophisticated network capable of producing and deploying terrorists (non-state actors). Effectively, elements within the Pakistani establishment became adept at cultivating and utilizing extremist groups, a capability that was later redirected towards India.

The Ongoing Struggle and Future Considerations

Today, India confronts the complex and arduous task of dismantling this deeply entrenched infrastructure of terrorism and its production capabilities. The argument that leaving Pakistan intact poses a continuous risk to India's citizens carries significant weight, especially in light of repeated terror attacks emanating from its soil. The notion The idea of Pakistan's fragmentation, while carrying immense implications, is fueled by the desire for a permanent resolution to a decades-long conflict. The potential for internal strife to lead to its disintegration presents a complex scenario, one that could offer opportunities for reclaiming Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan, territories considered integral to India.

However, the path of armed conflict is fraught with peril. The historical context of India-Pakistan conflicts underscores the potential for escalation and the immense human and economic costs involved. Moreover, the challenges of managing a fragmented Pakistan and ensuring lasting peace in the region would be substantial. While operations like "Operation Sindoor" aim to provide a level playing field for India's forces, who often face ambushes and are handicapped by densely populated areas, the decision to engage in widespread armed conflict is momentous. While the desire for a swift and decisive end to the threat of cross-border terrorism is understandable, a thorough and nuanced consideration of all possible outcomes, both intended and unintended, is crucial. India must continue to address the constant source of terrorism, accepting that some losses will be inevitable in ongoing operations, but that these losses are not a reason to cease efforts to eliminate this persistent threat.

What steps can India take to address the historical legacy of state-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan while minimizing the risks of escalation? 

Operation Sindoor and the Crumbling Pillars of Global Influence Part-3

 

Link to video on credit dd:Aakashteer system

We often undervalue our own ingenuity, ironically terming it "Jugaad," even as the world recognizes, applauds, and rewards similar innovation. AakashTeer serves as a powerful demonstration of this inherent ingenuity, showcasing our ability to transform outdated weapons into potent, contemporary, and cost-effective platforms. This proven capability presents a highly attractive proposition for other nations: utilize our services to upgrade their legacy weapons, thereby avoiding the prohibitive expense of acquiring new, costly systems.

Link to the video onIronDome of India

A pretender has transformed into a serious contender.

Is causing the earth to shake, the empires built over years with hard labour by the Arms Manufacturers in many countries are trembling & may crumble. ostensibly a third world country without resources, technology & weapon platforms. Has burst on the global scene with an ADS that is proven under real conflict conditions. Others have to play catch up. Even if a matching system is developed they are still at a disadvantage. Their system is not conflict certified. Now it claims Vs conflict certified system. Why should any sensible nation invest in an untested system when a proven system is available.

Prepare for a paradigm shift. The articles below confirm our remarkable progress, leaving global arms manufacturers in disbelief. A former net importer has burst onto the scene, offering conflict-proven weapon platforms.

link on Link to read the Article India’s Wake-Up Call: Why US Defense Reform Must Match the Speed of Modern War

Article by Dr. Walter Ladwig’s commentary in RUSI, titled "Calibrated Force: Operation Sindoor and the Future of Indian Deterrence," provides a detailed analysis of India’s approach during Operation Sindoor

Operation Sindoor and the Crumbling Pillars of Global Influence Part-2

 

Operation Sindoor has starkly illuminated the primacy of economic power in shaping the post-conflict world order. While military might serves as a crucial instrument of statecraft, its effectiveness is fundamentally underpinned by a nation's economic strength. The decision to undertake military action after 2014, a departure from prior restraint despite enduring terrorist strikes, underscores the pivotal role of economic capacity in enabling decisive security responses.

Armed conflicts, inherently costly in lives and resources, necessitate a strategic calculation that includes potential economic gains. The diversion of financial resources towards military endeavors invariably impacts economic growth. However, a nation that can strategically leverage conflict to yield economic advantages possesses a potent tool for expanding its influence beyond mere territorial acquisition.

The reverberations of Operation Sindoor across the globe highlight this dynamic. Nations that solely focused on military aspects are now grappling with the unforeseen consequences, while those who factored in potential economic gains alongside military objectives are better positioned to navigate the shifting landscape.

Looking ahead, a burgeoning USD 10 trillion economy will amplify India's global influence. Safeguarding this economic foundation is paramount to ensuring national security and projecting power. The self-confidence and military capabilities witnessed are direct outcomes of this economic ascendancy.

India's long-standing adherence to ethical conduct in armed conflict, evident throughout its history, remains a vital aspect of its global standing. Maintaining this moral strength, coupled with economic dynamism and military prowess, will be crucial in navigating the complexities of the evolving world order and resisting external attempts at economic or mental subjugation. The ability to defend one's interests and assert historical claims stems from this robust foundation.

Credit for the Screenshot : Harpreet

@CestMoiz

HarHarpreet