States » SouthPosted at: Jun 7 2025 9:54PM


Vice Prez Dhankhar calls for economic nationalism

Bengaluru, June 7 (UNI) In an address to industry leaders and entrepreneurs here on Saturday, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar called for a collective corporate push towards economic nationalism, urging Indian businesses to drastically reduce imports of goods that can be manufactured domestically.
He described the unchecked import of everyday items like kites, candles, diyas, garments, furniture, and curtains as a "threefold harm" — costing Indian jobs, undermining domestic entrepreneurship, and draining foreign exchange.
"Why should we not show patriotism?" the Vice President asked pointedly, adding, "Imports like these are not just economic decisions, they are national decisions. Mahatma Gandhi called for Swadeshi, and Prime Minister Modi has given it a new thrust through 'Vocal for Local'. It is now up to trade and industry to act."
Speaking as part of the ongoing Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, Dhankhar framed his remarks against the backdrop of India’s rising global economic stature and technological potential. He described Bengaluru as a “crucible of innovation,” emphasising its central role in shaping India’s future in emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Machine Learning, and the Internet of Things.
“Peace today comes from a position of strength, and that strength comes not only from military muscle, but from technological supremacy,” he said. “It was the indigenous BrahMos and Akash that enabled our armed forces to send a strong message through Operation Sindoor — targeted, calibrated, and precise. Let the world take note: Bharat will no longer tolerate terrorism.”
Paying homage to the victims of the Pahalgam attack, he lauded the Armed Forces for swiftly neutralising terror bases in Muridke and Bahawalpur, calling it a demonstration of India's technological and strategic edge.
Calling for a quantum leap in economic planning, Dhankhar urged business leaders to focus on greenfield investments and equitable job creation. He warned that increasing the size of the economy alone is insufficient, and advocated for an eight-fold increase in per capita income** to match India’s demographic scale.
Addressing the farming community, the Vice-President underscored the need for greater synergy between industry and agriculture, including support for agripreneurs and investment in food processing.
He proposed deploying mobile industrial units to prevent wastage during production gluts and to ensure farmers benefit from value-added products.
“The spectacle of tomatoes being dumped on roads is a national shame. The corporate sector must help convert agricultural abundance into opportunity, not crisis,” he asserted.
Turning to political discourse, Dhankhar called on all parties to "lower the temperature" and engage in constructive dialogue, especially on issues like national security and economic development.
He invoked the Vedantic principle of 'Anantvaad', warning that a breakdown in dialogue leads to democratic decay.
“My experience tells me: you may be proud of your point of view, but never forget there is always another — and often better — point of view,” he remarked.
He expressed concern over public disorder and property destruction, urging for swift legal action against those who incite violence and harm the nation's image.
Dhankhar also called for a cultural transformation, beginning at home and in schools.
“Teach children to respect elders, teachers, neighbours, environment — and to adopt Swadeshi,” he said.
He highlighted Karnataka, and Bengaluru in particular, as ideal places to launch a renewed thrust in values-based education.
The Vice-President identified the second and third layers of Indian industry, along with the start-up ecosystem, as the real growth drivers of Viksit Bharat. Citing the IMF’s confidence in India as a global investment destination, he encouraged young people to take the first step in entrepreneurship.
“India today is brimming with hope and opportunity. Let our youth give wings to their ideas. Let industry handhold them. Do not compete with entrepreneurs — support them,” he said.
In conclusion, Dhankhar urged industry leaders to transform global challenges — including wars, disruptions in supply chains, and economic volatility — into opportunities.
“When the world is defined by uncertainty, genius must rise. Bharat must lead,” he said.
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