Page 139 - Swatantrata to Atmanirbharta : Lokmanya Tilak’s legacy

This freedom gives rise to many opportunities, and rewards
for merit. Entrepreneurship does not create a ‘new class’
of corrupt politicians and bureaucrats. However, it creates
many lobbies who try to influence the government for their
own benefit. Resultant inequality is the biggest drawback of
entrepreneurship. This drawback can be overcome by subsidised
education and healthcare facilities for the less rich people;
so that there is justice in applying the principle of equality of
opportunity. Moreover, in a free society, independent regulating
institutions like the SEBI and RBI, NGOs and activists can take
care of any influence of lobbies on the government, detrimental
to the National security/interest. Since talent, innovation
and enterprise are rewarded; everyone becomes competitive,
which generates meritocracy as opposed to the mediocracy
of socialism. Consequently, there is no brain drain or flight
of talent abroad from the country. Aggregate result is that the
nation becomes economically vibrant and powerful.
Rise of entrepreneurship will result in India becoming self-
sufficient, and a net exporter having a favourable balance of
trade with most of the countries.
INDIA’S NATIONAL SECURITY CHALLENGES: THE
ORIGINS

Independence
After the end of World War II in 1945, Britain had become
militarily and economically weak. It understood the difficulties
in maintaining an empire consisting of many colonies in Africa,
and South and Southeast Asia. Britain realised that it was not
worthwhile to maintain so many colonies in the post-war changed
circumstances. Therefore, it decided to give independence to
these colonies, and form a British commonwealth; so that its
economic hold on the erstwhile colonies would be maintained.
Britain decided to start the process with India.
Initially, it was proposed to grant dominion status (like that of
Canada and Australia) to India; so that it becomes independent
but remains under the British crown. This proposal did not
envisage partitioning of India; even though, the Muslim League
was demanding it, but eventually agreed to the dominion status.

137 Swatantrata to Atmanirbharata