Swadeshi movement needed to combat colonial mindset: MP Guv

Madhya Pradesh Governor Om Prakash Kohli today said that a strong Swadeshi movement was the need of the hour to tackle the ill-effects of colonial mindset.

"The colonial mindset has assumed multiple dimensions today. It (colonial mindset) exists in the form of markets, products, lifestyle and even globalisation. A strong Swadeshi movement can help combat its ill-effects," he said.

Kohli was speaking at the inaugural session of 'Lok Manthan', a three-day event organised by state Department of Culture and some other organisations here.

"If the national identity is stronger, no type or form of colonial mindset can harm it," he said.
 

Stating that "Sanatan Dharm" was India's real national identity, Kohli said, "It is universal and eternal. It needs to be defined and expressed in the modern context."

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, "Indian civilisation was mature even when the so-called developed nations had not mushroomed. India has given the world many noble thoughts and concepts."

RSS Sarsahkaryavah Suresh Soni, in his keynote address, said that India's national identity must express itself in all deeds.

"India as a rashtra (nation) has always helped others by imparting knowledge and skill. The national identity should be used as an instrument of change," he said, adding that India has always remained unified thanks to a bond among many identities.

Juna Akhara Mahamandleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri observed that science has made humans sleepless and has hit the spiritual consciousness.

Referring to the scriptures, he said that the Indian philosophy has always stressed the wellness of mind and not materialism.

"The West sees the world as a market, while Indian philosophy believes that it is one family. The tendency of consumption is increasing. The mindset of amassing wealth is not good for the society," Giri said.

Referring to the demonetisation of high denomination notes, he said that it will put an effective check on the tendency of amassing money. "The move will provide a fillip in transforming the nation," he said.

BJP vice president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe threw light on the concept and outline of the event.