Every nation aspires to be great. But greatness doesn’t come from GDP numbers alone. It’s built on the pride, intent, and everyday choices of its citizens.

As someone who has worked across sectors – business, civic action, and the startup ecosystem – I’ve seen first-hand how deeply mindset matters. When people believe in their country, they act in its interest. When they don’t, progress is scattered and shallow.

That’s why I support the One Nation One Symbol ( ONOS) for Made in India initiative.

At its core, ONOS is simple: create a universal, easily recognisable visual symbol for products made in India. A symbol that cuts across language, literacy, and geography. One that helps consumers identify, and choose, products made in India – just like the green dot for vegetarian food or the recycling triangle.

It’s not just about branding. It’s about building pride and clarity.

A country of our size and diversity needs that. A few decades ago, I co-founded Karmayog.org, a platform to connect citizens and civic issues. Over time, we saw that when people know how to contribute, they do. But they need that entry point. One Nation One Symbol for Made in India can be that entry point for economic participation. It gives citizens a way to vote for India with their wallet – at every grocery store, every e-commerce checkout.

For years, I’ve also supported and invested in Indian startups. Many of them are solving real problems with creativity and grit. But they often struggle to compete with foreign brands, not because they lack quality, but because consumer perception is skewed. A strong, government- backed, national symbol can help shift that. It gives Indian products a fighting chance – without needing to shout.

We don’t become a nation that others admire just by chasing global approval. We become one by first believing in ourselves. By creating systems that make it easier to support local innovation. By aligning small, daily actions with a bigger national vision.

A made-in-India symbol doesn’t ask for a sacrifice. It offers a choice. A quiet, consistent reminder: You belong to something larger. And your choices shape it.

We’ve done this before. The “Jaago Grahak Jaago” campaign made consumer awareness a household phrase. The UPI symbol became a part of daily life in record time. The Aadhaar card gave millions a portable identity. ONOS can do the same for Indian manufacturing and entrepreneurship.

In the startup world, we always look for ideas that are scalable, inclusive, and rooted in a real need. ONOS checks all three boxes. It helps producers, empowers buyers, and strengthens the economy – from village craftspeople to tech entrepreneurs. A nation becomes great not just when it builds rockets or exports software.

It becomes great when its people carry that pride in the small things: what they buy, how they contribute, and what they stand for.

That’s why I support One Nation One Symbol for Made in India. Because symbols matter. And pride is powerful – when it turns into action.