PM Modi Urges Citizens to Eliminate Macaulay Mindset Over Next Decade

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasises the need to rid India of the Macaulay mindset that has affected its cultural identity. He calls for a collective effort over the next decade to honour and preserve India's heritage.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on citizens to commit to eliminating the colonial mindset introduced by Thomas Macaulay nearly two centuries ago. Speaking at the sixth Ramnath Goenka Lecture, Modi highlighted that Macaulay's impact on India's cultural and educational foundations will reach its 200th anniversary in 2035. He urged the nation to resolve to break free from this mindset over the next decade.

Modi emphasised that a nation's failure to honour itself leads to the rejection of its native systems, including the Made in India manufacturing framework. He cited tourism as an example, noting that while other countries take pride in their historical heritage, post-Independence India has seen efforts to disown its legacy. "Without pride in heritage, there is no motivation for its preservation," he stated.

Focus on Local Languages

The prime minister questioned which other country disrespects its own languages as India does. He pointed out that nations like Japan, China, and South Korea have adopted Western practices without compromising their native languages. This is why the new National Education Policy (NEP) emphasises education in local languages, according to Modi.

Modi clarified that the government does not oppose the English language but strongly supports Indian languages. He explained that Macaulay's influence broke India's self-confidence and instilled a sense of inferiority. This led to a belief that progress could only be achieved through foreign methods, a mindset that deepened after Independence.

Impact on Education and Economy

India's education system, economy, and societal aspirations increasingly aligned with foreign models post-Independence. Pride in indigenous systems diminished, and Mahatma Gandhi's swadeshi foundation was largely forgotten. Governance models began to be sought abroad, and innovation was looked for in foreign lands, Modi noted.

The prime minister stressed that the societal afflictions introduced by Macaulay must be eradicated in the coming decade. "The evils and societal afflictions introduced by Macaulay must be eradicated in the coming decade," he asserted.

Modi highlighted that pride in one's heritage is essential for tourism growth. Without preservation, heritage becomes mere ruins of brick and stone. He urged citizens to take pride in India's historical legacy to motivate its preservation.

The prime minister's appeal aims to inspire a national movement towards reclaiming India's cultural identity and self-confidence. By focusing on local languages and indigenous systems, Modi envisions a future where India honours its heritage while embracing progress.

With inputs from PTI