Salman Khan Attends in Mohan Bhagwat's Swadeshi Economic Model Lecture Series

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Salman Khan presents in Mohan Bhagwat’s Swadeshi Economic Model lecture series during the RSS Centenary Year.
Mohan Bhagwat calls for voluntary global trade, not tariff-driven economic dependence.
Swadeshi is framed as a daily lifestyle choice rooted in language, clothing, food, and sustainability.

New Delhi: Salman Khan atends in Mohan Bhagwat’s Swadeshi Economic Model lecture series at a time when global trade tensions and cultural homogenisation are reshaping national priorities. Addressing an audience of over 900 eminent personalities, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat used the platform to redefine Swadeshi as a modern, practical response to global economic pressure.

The two-day New Horizons lecture series, organised as part of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Centenary Year, brought together voices from cinema, science, industry, and the arts, including actor Salman Khan and Ranbir Kapoor.

Why the Swadeshi Economic Model Is Being Revisited Now

Bhagwat’s remarks come amid rising tariff wars and trade restrictions globally, particularly from powerful economies using economic tools as leverage. He warned that while global interdependence is natural, it must remain voluntary and never become a form of national compulsion.

According to him, economic dependence driven by pressure erodes sovereignty and weakens domestic livelihoods.

Swadeshi Is About Choice, Not Isolation

Clarifying misconceptions, Bhagwat stressed that Swadeshi does not mean rejecting imports altogether. Instead, it follows a clear priority order local production first, selective imports second, and protection of livelihoods always.

“If a product can be made in your village or country, buying it from abroad damages the local economy,” he said, framing consumer choice as an economic act.

Language and Culture as Economic Forces

One of the most discussed aspects of the lecture was Bhagwat’s call to reduce dependence on foreign languages in daily family communication. He urged households to use mother tongues and Indian languages at home.

This cultural emphasis, he explained, strengthens social confidence and keeps economic and intellectual capital rooted in Indian society.

Clothing, Food, and Tourism: Swadeshi at Home

Bhagwat encouraged families to prioritise Indian attire, noting that traditional clothing directly supports local weavers and the domestic textile industry. Wearing “Swa”-origin clothes, he said, is an economic decision, not just a cultural one.

Also Read | Mohan Bhagwat Pushes Swadeshi Economic Model Rooted in Self-Reliance and Indian Values

He also called for domestic tourism over foreign travel, urging citizens to explore Indian spiritual and heritage destinations to keep wealth circulating within the country.

The Shikanji vs Cola Example Explained

Using a relatable analogy, Bhagwat said that if lemonade (Shikanji) can be prepared at home, there is no reason to buy foreign carbonated drinks. The example highlighted how everyday consumption habits collectively influence national self-reliance.

Such choices, he noted, also align with environmental sustainability.

Environmental Swadeshi and Sustainable Living

Bhagwat linked Swadeshi with ecological responsibility, urging reduced plastic use and a return to traditional Indian household practices. Sustainability, he argued, is not a Western import but deeply embedded in Indian civilisation.

This forms one of the three pillars of his development vision—self-reliance, environmental balance, and Dharma-based economics.

Family Dialogues and Value Transmission

The RSS chief stressed the importance of regular family discussions to help children understand Indian values and resist unfamiliar ideologies. He contrasted Indian family structures with Western models, highlighting the role of “Matri Shakti” as the moral foundation of society.

According to Bhagwat, strong families are essential for a resilient nation.

Future Implications of the Lecture Series

The presence of cultural icons like Salman Khan at the event signals an effort to take Swadeshi beyond policy debates and into popular consciousness. By placing responsibility on households rather than governments alone, Bhagwat’s model seeks long-term economic and cultural resilience.

As India navigates global uncertainty, the Swadeshi economic model presented at the lecture series positions self-reliance, sustainability, and cultural confidence as strategic imperatives for the future.