A Journey towards Self-Reliance

Manish Kumar Jha

DGM, 400/220 kV Ranchi

“Self-reliance is the only road to true freedom and being one’s own person is its ultimate
reward” – Patricia Sampson

Being independent is the most overwhelming happiness which every nation strives for.
Thus the auspicious day of 15th August holds a very special place in the heart of every Indian
citizen, the day when our country got free from the shackles of perpetual bondage under the
British Regime. It is not a day to be celebrated but a day to be worshipped by millions when
superfluous emotions culminate and experience eternal bliss. Year 2021 is all the more
prominent as we rejoiced the 75th year of motherland liberation.

India’s illustrious history has been a mute spectator to the fact that the terms
“Independence” and “Self-Reliance” are intimately related to each other. It was since the dawn
of the 19th century that this concept was given much emphasis by social reformer like Raja Ram
Mohan Roy and later by veteran nationalist and freedom fighter like the great Bal Gangadhar
Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi.

Let us now catch a glimpse of what exactly self-reliance means, evolution of this term,
how it is blended perfectly with the notion of independence and why self-reliance with integrity
hold so much significance in a free country like India. In simplest form, self-reliance means the
virtue to take decision based on own abilities without relying on others’ judgement, help or
resources. Self-reliance means being true to oneself, making best use of one’s talent and
following one’s own instincts. This virtue develops freely when an individual is intellectually,
physically, financially and spiritually free from any kind of subjugation.

During freedom struggle, our freedom fighters raised their voice for the most radical
and efficient mass movement based on ‘self-reliance’ in the form of Swadeshi and Boycott
movement. Until the launch of this movement, our economy was solely dependent on the
products imported from Britain, a process which crumbled our own development and led to
tremendous drain of our wealth impoverishing Indian people.
No sooner the concept of self-reliance evolved, there was a flowering of nationalist thoughts,
floating of new economic ideas and emergence of new industries (TISCO and Bengal Chemical
Factory are worth mentioning).

This legacy continues in a much pompous way at present when we find our Hon’ble
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, stressing on self-reliance through the catchphrase
“Atmanirbhar Bharat”. The vision envisaged by him encompasses economy, infrastructure,
vibrant demography and demand. The idea has infact become more refined and relates to
diverse and wide terms like national security and technological development to accomplish all
that we desire. The underlying agenda is to make India a powerhouse and a major player in the
global economy. “Make in India” campaign was launched by Modiji in 2014 asking the business
houses and industrialists to join the campaign and design and develop the products
indigenously to become self-reliant.

On the 75th Independence Day this year, the Prime Minister inaugurated “Azadi ka Amrit
Mahotsav” and a comprehensive programme to support 40000 families of traditional craft as a
part of his Atmanirbharta campaign.

“In looking for people to hire, look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence and energy. And
if they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you” - Warren Buffett

Talking about self-reliance without integrity is of no use. Becoming self sufficient

without taking care of our brethren, our society serves no purpose. Integrity is indeed the
noblest of all virtue defined as the quality of having strong moral principles. Integrity is
choosing one’s thoughts and actions based on the values rather personal gain. When we
choose to become self-reliant with integrity, we dream of greater good of mankind than
seeking personal benefits. Self-reliance with integrity is a path which is definitely difficult to
follow but not impossible to achieve and it leads to eternal satisfaction, true bliss and mental
peace.

We, in this era of holistic independence, need to make a tryst with ourselves to focus on
our dreams and aspirations to become self-reliant and at the same time without compromising
our integrity. This generation can grasp so many opportunities, easy access of technology and
create a new era of success and prosperity. When each and every individual unites in this
mission of being self-reliant then only can our country as a united power relish the fruits of
independence in the best way possible.

Shri Manish Kumar Jha, is presently working as a DGM and is looking after 400/220 kV Ranchi S/S
alongwith the associated Transmission lines of around 2240 ckm of Ranchi TLO, Koderma TLO and
Maithon TLO as an in-charge.
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