BBAU Organizes Eminent Lecture Series: Deliberations on Building a Self-Reliant India through Swadeshi Thought and Innovation

Lucknow: Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University organized a special lecture on “Swadeshi Economics & Atmanirbhar Bharat: Building a Self-Reliant Economy” on September 17, 2026, under the Eminent Lecture Series organized by the Eminent Lecture Series Committee. The programme was presided over by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal. Renowned social worker Mr. Annada Shankar Panigrahi, associated with the Swadeshi Jagran Manch, attended the programme as the Chief Guest. Prof. S. Victor Babu, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Prof. Sunil Babu Gosipatala, In-charge Chairperson of the Eminent Lecture Series Committee, were also present on the dais. The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and floral tribute to the portrait of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. This was followed by the singing of the University Kulgeet. The organizing committee expressed its gratitude to the Chief Guest by presenting him with a sapling and a memento. At the outset, Prof. Sunil Babu Gosipatala welcomed all the participants and briefed them about the objectives and outline of the programme. The proceedings were conducted by Dr. Narendra Singh.
Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal said that if India is to move towards becoming a developed nation, it is essential to prioritize the Swadeshi philosophy and strengthen the foundations of self-reliance. He stated that building an Atmanirbhar Bharat is not limited to economic growth alone; rather, it requires balanced development from social, technological and environmental perspectives. At the social level, equal and active participation of all sections of society must be ensured, while from an environmental perspective, greater emphasis should be placed on sustainable development and the judicious use of natural resources. He further emphasized that the development process should ensure that economic progress goes hand in hand with social inclusion and environmental protection. In addition, to further strengthen India’s capabilities and competitive potential in global trade, it is necessary to promote Research and Development (R&D), Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), technology, vocational education and skill development. Universities and educational institutions must foster innovation, research, entrepreneurship and skill development among students while preparing them to meet evolving technological and global requirements. He said that only through collective efforts involving educational institutions, industry, government and the youth can indigenous capabilities be established at the global level and the goal of transforming Atmanirbhar Bharat into a developed India be realized.

Chief Guest Mr. Annada Shankar Panigrahi, while sharing his views, said that promoting the Swadeshi philosophy, indigenous goods and Indian products is essential for building an Atmanirbhar Bharat. He stated that India’s ancient education system and the Gurukul tradition played an important role in promoting knowledge, skills and entrepreneurship. Through its knowledge resources and skills, India established trade and economic relations with the world and played a significant role in the global market for a long period. He said that there is a need today for young people to utilize their talent and skills to take local resources and Indian products to the global level. Strengthening the Swadeshi economy is not merely about promoting local products; it is also about creating new opportunities for employment, innovation and entrepreneurship within the country. Mr. Panigrahi said that the numerous unicorn companies established by Indian youth in recent years reflect their talent, innovative abilities and entrepreneurial potential. To realize the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, young people must move beyond being merely job seekers and strive to become “job givers” who create employment opportunities. He further stated that various government initiatives promoting MSMEs, startups and entrepreneurship are providing young people with opportunities to advance their businesses and innovations. When such initiatives are combined with the creative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit of the youth, they can accelerate the journey towards the goal of “Swadeshi to Self-Reliance and Self-Reliance to a Developed India.”

At the end of the programme, Dr. Narendra Singh proposed the vote of thanks. Deans of various faculties, Heads of Departments, faculty members, non-teaching staff, research scholars and students remained present throughout the programme.

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