Ever since Narendra Modi mentioned the word “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in his speech, seventeen times, it became a buzzword. At the outset, atmanirbhar, which broadly translates to self-reliance, may seem to empower.
It alludes to freedom, autonomy and self-determination, and makes for a captivating concept. But if we explicate the meaning of atmanirbhar Bharat in the context of the hegemonic neo-liberal ideology of our times, its meaning changes radically. It becomes the very opposite of what the word conveys.
In general terms, atmanirbharta or self-reliance can be interpreted in three ways:
- as an activity that supports communities that are geared towards environmental and social sustainability
- as an idea that denotes “entrepreneurialism” and promotion of “entrepreneurial culture” based on neoliberal design, and
- as a socialist policy to develop national industry and independent economy.
When Modi emphasised the need for atmanirbharta or self-reliance in his speech, it gave the impression that he emphasised on building sustainable communities and developing an independent economy. But as the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the so-called “20 Lakh Crore economic package,” it became clear that Modi’s idea of an “atmanirbhar Bharat” is nothing but a mantra, a catchy phrase, to push the neoliberal agenda.
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