Building a self reliant and secure Bharat for future

Source: The post Building a self reliant and secure Bharat for future has been created, based on the article “Atmanirbhar and Viksit” published in “Indian Express” on 16th August 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- growth, development and employment.

Context: The article marks Independence Day as a celebration of unity, pride, and achievements. It highlights military strength, self-reliance, technology, energy growth, local economy, and security challenges, while urging collective effort to achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047. Vision for self-reliant and strong Bharat

Celebration of Independence and National Pride

1. A Festival of Unity: Independence Day is seen as the resolution of 140 crore Indians. The campaign “Har Ghar Tiranga” reflects patriotism everywhere, from deserts to Himalayan peaks and coastal regions.
2. Honoring Operation Sindoor: Tribute is paid to Operation Sindoor warriors, who punished terrorists after the Pahalgam massacre of April 22. The army, given full freedom, penetrated deep into enemy territory and destroyed terror bases. This success had not been seen in decades.
3. Freedom and Collective Achievement: The festival is a reminder of sacrifices made for freedom. It reflects collective pride in defending the nation and honoring its brave soldiers.

Self-Reliance as the Foundation of Viksit Bharat

1. Farmers and Food Security: After Independence, feeding millions was a challenge. Farmers filled the granaries through hard work, ensuring food security and strengthening the nation.
2. Beyond Trade and Currency: Self-reliance is more than imports, exports, or currency. It is about capability. Dependence reduces strength, while capability enhances freedom.
3. Link with Defense Readiness: Operation Sindoor proved the value of defense self-reliance. Without it, India would have been constrained by suppliers. The progress of the last 10 years in defense production made swift victory possible.

Technology and Industrial Development

1. Lessons from Semiconductor Delays: Semiconductor plans began 50–60 years ago but were delayed. This lost opportunity cost India decades in a sector that became globally decisive.
2. New Semiconductor Initiatives: Now, India has moved ahead in mission mode. Six semiconductor units are under development, and four new unitshave been cleared.
3. Strengthening Manufacturing and MSMEs: The National Manufacturing Mission emphasizes comprehensive growth. MSMEs contribute to global products, but their capabilities must grow. The call for “Zero Defect, Zero Effect” highlights quality as the key to global recognition.

Energy Security and Clean Growth

1. Reducing Dependence on Imports: India spends lakhs of crores on fuel imports. Energy self-reliance is a national necessity.
2. Renewable Energy Expansion: In 11 years, solar capacity rose thirty-fold. New dams are expanding hydropower to ensure clean and reliable energy.
3. Green Hydrogen and Nuclear Goals: Through Mission Green Hydrogen, thousands of crores are being invested. Ten nuclear reactors are progressing, and by 2047 nuclear capacity will rise tenfold to meet the goals of Viksit Bharat.

Strengthening National Spirit and Local Economy

1. Call for Unity Beyond Politics: Prosperity is a shared national agenda, not political. Citizens are urged to adopt “Vocal for Local” as a way of life.
2. Pride in Swadeshi Goods: Shopkeepers should display boards saying “Swadeshi goods sold here.” Using local products should be a matter of strength and pride, not compulsion.
3. Contributions of Citizens and Institutions: India’s progress is built by farmers, workers, teachers, soldiers, and scientists. Special tribute is paid to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh for 100 years of service to nation-building, described as the world’s largest NGO.

National Security and Demographic Challenge

1. Warning on Infiltration: The nation faces danger from infiltrators altering demography. They take away livelihoods, mislead tribals, seize land, and threaten women. This poses a grave security risk in border areas.
2. Launch of Demography Mission: A High-Power Demography Mission will address this crisis. It will work in a deliberate and time-bound manner to protect unity, integrity, and progress.

Conclusion

1. Honoring the Legacy of Freedom Fighters: Sacrifices of forefathers are remembered. Citizens are urged to defend freedom through vigilance and unity.
2. Power of Hard Work: History is shaped by toil and perseverance. This is the decisive time to act boldly and shape the nation’s future.

Question for practice:

Examine how self reliance and national unity shape India’s future.