A new and self-reliant India, or Aatmanirbhar Bharat, requires a fresh examination of its history and popular culture. Over the decades since independence, Indian history has been interpreted through various ideological lenses, many of which have distorted its true essence. Similarly, popular entertainment and culture have often perpetuated narratives that promote a skewed view of Hinduism, particularly regarding caste divisions. A revision of these tropes is essential for India to fully realize its potential as a self-reliant nation rooted in its indigenous values.
For much of post-independence India, the Congress party’s policies, especially its pandering to minority vote-banks, shaped the political and cultural landscape. This strategy was later adopted by regional parties, further entrenching a pattern of political appeasement. Simultaneously, the commitment to socialism—despite its disastrous consequences for economic growth—became entrenched in the academic and cultural fabric of the nation. Marxist interpretations of Indian history dominated the discourse, and socialist ideals permeated much of Indian cinema and popular culture.
In recent years, this approach has found expression in cinema and digital media, where the current government is often portrayed as communal and anti-secular. However, such depictions fail to acknowledge the democratic mandate of the ruling government, which has been voted in by large majorities. As India moves toward a future of self-reliance, it is crucial to reshape the narrative in both history and popular culture. This requires shedding the colonial mindset and embracing a grassroots sense of Indian identity.
Reclaiming historical identity
India’s historical narrative has long been shaped by colonial influences and Marxist interpretations. The time has come for India to reclaim its true historical identity, one that reaches back beyond the colonial and Islamic rulers to celebrate the country’s rich and diverse Hindu dynasties, seers, and spiritual traditions. India’s ancient cultural, scientific, and spiritual achievements have been neglected or misrepresented in favor of a Eurocentric view of history.
A revival of interest in Hindu studies, Yoga, the great epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and Sanatan Dharma (the eternal way) is already underway, both within India and globally. Foreigners and Indians alike are discovering the profound wisdom and management lessons embedded in texts like the Bhagavad Gita. This newfound interest in India’s ancient traditions is a sign that the country is ready to embrace its historical greatness and project it onto the global stage.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat: A reformist powerhouse
India today is on the path of becoming a global powerhouse, and this is reflected in its strides toward economic self-reliance. The country has emerged as a significant player in sectors like defense manufacturing, technology, and pharmaceuticals. The rapid production and export of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic is a testament to India’s growing influence and capacity for innovation. As global supply chains shift away from China, India is stepping in to fill the gap, further solidifying its position in the world economy.
India’s startup ecosystem, with its growing number of unicorns, is another indication of the country’s dynamic and homegrown entrepreneurial spirit. This is the new India—confident, capable, and self-reliant, building on its own strengths rather than mimicking foreign models.
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Revisiting the independence narrative
A revision of the Independence narrative is also necessary for India to fully reclaim its history. Jawaharlal Nehru, who wrote The Discovery of India while imprisoned, envisioned himself as the first Prime Minister of independent India. However, his version of history, shaped by Fabian socialism and a pluralistic vision of unity, has since been challenged by critics who argue that it failed to account for India’s majority population and their cultural values.
Nehru’s comfortable imprisonment, where he was treated as a Class 1 political prisoner, stands in stark contrast to the hardships endured by other freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar, who was exiled to the Cellular Jail in the Andamans. Nehru’s vision for India, while noble in many respects, was also deeply influenced by his admiration for British institutions and practices, a legacy that continues to influence Indian governance and education systems to this day.
Correcting the narrative
The distorted ideological framework of Nehruvian socialism, which favored minority appeasement and downplayed India’s Hindu heritage, was consolidated by subsequent Congress governments. However, this framework began to unravel in the 1970s with the rise of leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan and the Lohiaites, who challenged the status quo. The final rejection of this ideology came in 2014 with the electoral victory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has championed a more assertive and nationalist vision for India.
Conclusion: A cultural and historical reawakening
The journey to building Aatmanirbhar Bharat begins with a cultural and historical reawakening. India must shed the colonial and Marxist narratives that have dominated its history for too long and embrace its rich indigenous traditions. Popular culture, too, must evolve to reflect this new narrative, one that celebrates India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. As India continues to rise as a global power, it must do so with a clear sense of its own identity—an identity rooted in its ancient wisdom and traditions, but forward-looking and dynamic in its approach to the future.
