Speaking at a conference on ”South Asia’s Manuscript Traditions and Mathematical Contributions”, the MAE said there is today a really compelling argument for greater ‘Atmanirbharta’.
India’s message on Venezuela: 'Stability, safety and dialogue come first'. (Photo: ANI)
Noting that the world is passing through an extraordinary period of change, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said the best response to this era is to intensify nation-building, reinforce national identities, and pursue national interests without compromise.
”Beyond the obvious, what is at stake are the dignity and self-image of a people, their freedom to exercise choices and their ability to withstand pressures,” he said at a conference on ”South Asia’s Manuscript Traditions and Mathematical Contributions” at the India International Centre (IIC).
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Mr Jaishankar’s remarks came amid the ongoing trade tensions between India and the United States over President Donald Trump’s decision to slap 50 per cent tariffs on Indian products and his unsavoury comments about India in recent days.
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Mr Jaishankar said the world’s architecture is being re-engineered, even as institutions and modes of interaction undergo transformation. ”The political complexities are difficult enough, but its economic volatility has exceeded expectations. The cultural dimensions are still unfolding and will not be easy either. They have to capture the rebalancing of the last many decades even as they reflect the backlash against globalisation,” he added.
He emphasised that while recognising the importance of engaging the world and intensifying this process, there is today a really compelling argument for greater ‘Atmanirbharta’.
”It is natural to define that in material terms. But, at the end of the day, this is built on the foundation of national self-confidence. This is not just for a government or for its policy-makers to ensure. Every citizen, every segment of society, every walk of life can and does make a difference. Intellectual leadership is particularly critical to that endeavour,” he added.
The minister was of the view that understanding traditions and appreciating historical contributions is not just a theoretical exercise. ”It is very much part of building an identity, especially of a civilisational nature. There are many other pathways to that objective, some are very routine, I would say almost mundane, others are much more complex,” he added.
”So, when we support a Vishwakarma tradition, when we promote One District One Product in this country, when we espouse yoga, when we popularise Ayurveda or when we advocate consumption of ‘Shree Anna’, each one of them is a facet of that endeavour,” he added.
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