Dattopant Thenagdi’s Idea of Swadeshi: Changing perspective and contemporary Relevance

Abstract

The present research explores how opinions on Dattopant Thengadi’s Swadeshi ideology have changed and assesses its applicability in the current socio-economic environment. Renowned Indian activist and scholar Dattopant Thengadi redefined Swadeshi to emphasise socio-economic fairness, indigenous industries, and self-reliance. The study explores the initial conception of Swadeshi by Thengadi, its historical application, and the modifications made to it in response to contemporary social and economic issues. This paper clarifies Swadeshi's evolving viewpoint from the time of economic liberalisation to the current NDA Regime. Neo-Swadeshi economics refers to the current form of Swadeshi, which is defined as a new version of Swadeshi that incorporates foreign corporations assisting in technical aid and development per national standards.