Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday delivered a powerful address at the Maheshwari Global Convention in Jodhpur, highlighting the community's profound and sustained contributions to India's history and development. He traced their role from supporting rulers in conflicts against the Mughals, through funding the freedom struggle, to being pillars of post-Independence economic growth.
A Legacy of Sacrifice and Support
Shah began by acknowledging the Maheshwari community's historical significance. He noted that during earlier periods of conflict, the community played a crucial role by helping rulers "fill the coffers" for battles. Moving to the freedom movement, he specifically credited Maheshwari "Bhamashahs" or philanthropists with funding major expenses, including those associated with Mahatma Gandhi's efforts.
"While a complete formal account may not be documented," Shah stated, "the community's role in sustaining the freedom movement was widely acknowledged." He also mentioned their contribution to the country's cultural renaissance, painting a picture of a community deeply intertwined with India's national journey.
Championing Swadeshi and Swabhasha for a Self-Reliant India
The Home Minister used the platform to issue a strong call for economic and cultural self-reliance. He urged people to adopt the twin principles of ‘swadeshi’ and ‘swabhasha’. This involves consuming and trading in local products and prioritizing Hindi and other Indian languages at home.
Shah clarified that foreign languages could be used where necessary for professional progress, but he stressed that children should be spoken to in their mother tongue. He emphasized that the native language sustains society, religion, and culture. Linking this directly to national goals, he stated that swadeshi is essential for achieving an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
"Self-reliance was essential for India to become a leading nation in every field by 2047," Shah asserted. He called on the business-oriented community members to expand into manufacturing products not currently made in India, alongside their existing trades, to bolster the national self-reliance push.
Community Strength as National Strength
Amit Shah framed community gatherings like the Maheshwari Global Convention as a unifying force for the nation. He argued that such conventions strengthen national bonds rather than divide society.
He presented a vision of grassroots-led development: "If each community supported its poor, the country's poor would be taken care of, and if each community became self-reliant, the nation would become self-reliant." He praised the Maheshwari community as progressive and far-sighted for its post-Independence contributions through manufacturing, trade, wealth creation, and adoption of technology.
His speech in Jodhpur successfully wove together historical appreciation with a forward-looking agenda, positioning community-led initiative as a key driver for India's future growth and global standing.
