21. “For a Bright Future, India Needs Economic Patriotism and Techno-nationalism”

Introduction

We, as a nation, have a dream, vision and goal of all encompassing sustainable development which fulfil all citizens’ social, economic and political and cultural needs and expectations. Our leaders of freedom struggle had a dream, founding fathers of our constitution had a vision and before current political leadership there is a set goal, what is common among all is nothing but our bright future-a developed India. What should be done is topic of debate and discussion in political landscape with different inputs by bureaucrats, economists, businessmen, social scientists, philosopher, common man and others. The 18^th and 19^th centuries are witness of industrial revolution based on technology innovation which brought rapid growth and gave impetus to overall development of some European countries, Japan, US and others. Thus that era was related economic and techno-nationalism or chauvinism at extreme. Though we know in that era the rapid development in colonial powers depended on other factors like colonialism and imperialism. Now the similar zeal and efforts are needed for India to be developed. The economic independency and prosperity supplemented and complemented by technology advancement and prowess. The intellectuals have consensus that both are needed but differ in the extent and emphasis of economic pursuance and technology advancement.

What is economic patriotism and why it is required for bright future?

The love for one’s country through showing respect, trust, confidence and likings for national economy, its structure, its functions and produce. Is economic-patriotism is demand for this time only, does not it required normally as a duty by country’s citizen. Our economy is not going through very good time in terms of trade, stability, capital investment etc. The broadening current account deficit showing that we are more dependent on foreign goods like Chinese dumping practices and exports than local goods which is major economic concern. The inflation causing interest rate high, consequentially low economic growth due to low capital investments. We are welcoming foreign capital and investment to fill the gap created by lack of local investment. The recent ‘make in India’ slogan is showing the unquenchable thrust for foreign direct investment. That is why a demand of patriotism is showcased by intellectuals to Indians so that they save to invest, purchase local manufactured good, and do more efforts to curb inflation. Inflation can be speculator, aided by black marketing and hoarding in which citizens have major role to play to check such inflationary practices. The vision of Indian government of financial inclusion can only be realised by citizen’s initiative filled by love for country with trust in banking infrastructure.

Why techno-nationalism?

Though the spirit related to nationalism have been changing in content and context historically. But, at large, it is severe and more intense than patriotism at any time. This is directing, attached with technology, towards technological revolution or atleast radical innovation in techno arena. The role of technocrats, scientists should be energetic, robust and vigorous. The contribution of ISRO in world space market, automobile and other manufacturing sector to reap the benefit of demographic dividend by providing and absorbing blue collar workers. The FMCG sector has vast potential and large market which can make ‘Make in India’ vision realised. The government plans and schemes like NIMZ, SEZ, NANO cities, Industrial corridors and Smart City concept, all are waiting techno-nationalism.

How both are interrelated?

The economy with a ride on advanced technology will be promise to bright future and prosperity. Without technological innovation, less efficient way of growth will cause natural resources exploitation and consequently all development will be unsustainable. To compete with other advanced nations of the world ,we need international standards in technology.