आत्म निर्भरता

The other evening, we were watching our PM's speech on the topic of self-sufficiency (आत्मनिर्भरता).In these difficult times, it was felt very impactful. Unlike most of the news, his speech was appealing and inspirational. He talked about how we should make these times an opportunity to develop our local manufacturing capabilities. He gave us the example of how we are making KN-95 masks in India every day in bulk whereas  3 months ago no one knew what KN95 even meant.

I had always believed a stereotype idea in my mind that being independent meant nothing but living without anyone. It included having a satisfactory job that provided you enough of the essential things one needs to survive.  But apparently, I was proved wrong. Being self-sufficient also means not to depend on domestics and local workers in difficult circumstances as such and doing some little things by yourself.

Inspired by the PM’s speech, people started posting scenes of their hair cut and making exotic and fancy dishes all at home on social media showing how they were now trying to become self-sufficient by not depending on barbers and chefs. Adjusting with having no maids to our assistance was at first difficult but we handled it pretty well.

I learned that self-sustain did not need that much skill but just some initiative from your heart. Even making something like your own tea/coffee by yourself is a kind of self-reliance too. I have now started making my snack like maggie and pasta on my own and have also learned how to cut fruits for myself. I have started to do simple chores like making my bed and washing small clothes.

Being able to do things on your own, gives you inner satisfaction and confidence in yourself, thus increasing your self-esteem. Having done something on their own, children may feel they are growing up and achieving maturity of getting responsibilities. Moreover, it is of help to older people in the same house, who now have some load lifted off their shoulders. Therefore, it improves everyone's lifestyle.

The only person we need to be dependent on is ourselves and the only country that is ours. Self-sufficiency (आत्म निर्भरता) is one word that can have personal, communal, and national meanings. Like developing the local services (and advice to everyone in the country) or even cleaning your own wardrobe (on your own). In his speech, Mr. Narendra Modi had said that not only did India have the potential to win this battle, but also strive for a global leader. And for that, the path was of self-reliance.

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