Freedom from Westernization

Growing up, the most annoying subjects I ever had to encounter were history and economics!

Trust me I couldn’t help but go into a deep sleep or day dream about PE period till the bell rang and the teacher walked out of the class. It was until now, that I realized these subjects hold a great significant section in our existence today, and without acknowledging it, there is no top-notch future for us.

I am late, I know but at least I am there!

Let’s dig into some history and talk about the situation of the poor local craftsmen, how brutally they were treated, and also how their condition worsened over the years!

It’s story time!

So we do know that we obtained our independence on 15th of August, 1947 but do we know what happened before that?

Before Colonial Rule…

Art and crafts had been a tradition in India for a long time. Textiles, the most important of the Indian handicrafts, reached the zenith of perfection during the Mughal period.

While under Mughals, it was the art of weaving and silk spinning that scored refinement; it was metal works, ivory works and jewelry that reached great potential during the Gupta period. Handicraft production was the second biggest source of employment in pre-British India.

So to sum this up, everything was going great! The trades were going on well, the businesses were booming!

Then came the Britishers

Under British rule, production of Indian Handicrafts faced a rather sharp decline.

What came as the biggest blow to the Indian artisans, however, was the removal of most of the Indian princes and nobles, which as an effect, led to the destruction of the artisan’s major market.

Without proper rules, everybody was confused!

There was a sudden shock and the Britishers were aggressively pushing their products into our economy!

Then one of the many leaders, took a recognizable step, “chappa chappa charkha chalega” !

On our national flag, the blue Ashoka chakra, represents Gandhiji’s movement, when he said,

“I am convinced that swaraj cannot come so long as the tens of millions of our brothers and sisters do not take to the charkha, do not spin, do not make khadi and wear it.” ~ M.K. Gandhi

The first Khadi Production Center was established at Kathiawad, Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi referred to Khadi as “The livery of freedom”.

Basically, a lot went down during this period, and it was all the Britishers fault! They completely sabotaged and demotivated our Indian craftsmen.

People started turning their faces from Indian goods to foreign goods, but it was not tolerated by our leaders and they took big yet non- violent steps!

And that was admirable!

Once the Brits Left (After Oppression of 200 Years)

The plight of the artisans and the cultural importance of artisanal production was taken into accord after India got independent.

Steadily, the plan was to develop people’s interest in handmade Indian goods, all alluded to the idea that India had finally realized the importance of its art and crafts, and did not want to leave any stone unturned for its development.

Since then, the Indian economy never really settled back on goods made in India, as people wanted and demanded more. By then our trading system had already brought in foreign goods which now, couldn’t be thrown back.

Indians’ goods took a back seat, and slowly vanished, until now we have again realized that our country is self-sufficient and we don’t need outsiders to help us with basic products!

And then the COVID came to rescue.

Once COVID-19 hit our lives, we recognized our textile industry, which helped us with masks when the whole world was crying.

But still we haven’t reached the point where local markets are given the complete recognition,

And that’s why we need entrepreneurs to come up with companies that can help!

I know one such company, called LMO or Local Market Offers, is the company that really took economics considerably seriously. While considering the already ongoing crisis as well as COVID-19 crisis, and with the quick shift to digital shopping, they came up with a platform, to connect the local vendors to their customers directly.

In fact, they give the vendors and merchants the choice of giving out their own offers and discounts.

Technically, these small businesses get to experience the basic way retail markets function, along with the benefits.

This platform not only benefits the businesses but also their customers. With information about nearby vendors, high speed delivery, and great offers, you as a customer, also get the chance to earn coins every time you shop, which lets you shop for free the next time you come around.

This Independence Day…

And for the upcoming festive season, start shopping with the local markets and help them become strong enough to compete with the retail market.

Let us all come together to slowly yet steadily make Indian markets a powerful platform, so that the upcoming entrepreneurs, craftsmen and skilled men. You don’t have to think twice before putting up your business, because they know that we, the people of India, will support them and raise our position in the world economy.

Go ahead and start shopping today!

Make India a better place!