Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful critique of a long-standing economic narrative, directly linking it to a colonial mindset aimed at undermining Indian culture. Speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit on December 06, 2025, he took aim at the controversial term 'Hindu rate of growth'.
Rejecting a Colonial Label
The Prime Minister questioned the origins and intent behind the label, which was historically used to describe India's period of slow economic expansion. He asserted that this terminology was not a neutral economic descriptor but a deliberate attempt to malign the Hindu way of life. Modi pointed out the apparent bias in its application, noting that while the term was freely used during periods of sluggish growth, it is conspicuously absent now that India is the world's fastest-growing major economy.
He connected this terminology to a broader 'mentality of slavery' inherited from the colonial era. According to Modi, this mindset held the nation back for decades, and a conscious effort to overcome it is crucial for building a confident and developed India.
A Shift from Reactive to Visionary Governance
Drawing a sharp contrast between governance models, the Prime Minister outlined the nature of reforms in the present day versus the past. He stated that earlier governments typically introduced policy changes only when forced by immediate crises or under significant political pressure. This reactive approach, he implied, contributed to periods of stagnation.
In contrast, Modi emphasized that the current administration's reforms are driven by clear national goals and a steady, long-term vision. This strategic, forward-looking approach is presented as a key pillar supporting the country's current robust and consistent economic performance.
Building a Confident Nation for the Future
The core of the Prime Minister's address was a call to shed historical baggage and embrace a new self-perception. By challenging the 'Hindu rate of growth' label, he sought to decouple economic discourse from perceived cultural disparagement. His message focused on the importance of national confidence.
The speech positioned India's current economic trajectory not as an accident, but as the result of a deliberate break from a colonial-era psyche. The focus is now on sustained growth driven by intrinsic goals rather than external pressures, aiming to forge a resilient and self-assured nation on the global stage.
