Swadeshi idea

Sir, - It was heartening to read at least one article in an English newspaper (The Hindu, Dec. 26) which fully supported the Swadeshi idea for the economic development of our country. I congratulate Mr. V. Krishna Ananth for his forthright views.

While his views are basically those of the Swadeshi Jagran Manch in all respects, I cannot understand why he stresses that ``Swadeshi has nothing to do with cultural or denominational nationalism''. The SJM does not advocate denominational nationalism, whatever it is. But Gandhiji has stressed on cultural nationalism as was evident from his advocacy of cow- protecton, singing of ``Ram Dhun'', Bhagwad Gita, his opposition to intimidatory tactics for religious conversions, etc. He felt that only such sentimental factors can arouse the people to follow economic steps also for attainment of Swadeshi self- sufficiency for the nation.

R. Venugopal,

Coimbatore (TN)

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