India stands at a critical juncture in its journey toward becoming a global economic powerhouse. Having emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy, the next leap — to the third spot — will not only require structural reforms and robust growth strategies but also a deeply rooted culture of economic nationalism. One such transformative idea, emerging from grassroots civil society and indigenous economic thought, is the proposal for ‘One Nation, One Symbol’ — a unified national symbol for ‘Made in India’ products.

This simple yet powerful concept by Savitha Rao is gaining momentum, thanks to the advocacy of organizations like the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP). It is being positioned not just as a consumer-awareness initiative, but as a strategic imperative to empower citizens, build national security, support domestic industry, and reshape India’s economic landscape.

The Context:

At the heart of this campaign is the realisation that India must reduce its dependence on imported goods, particularly from nations that do not share friendly strategic relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reinforced this view in May 2025 by urging Indian traders to prioritize locally made products over foreign imports – even in culturally significant areas like Ganesh idols and Holi colors.

The Problem: Foreign Goods Masquerading as Indian

One of the biggest hurdles to achieving economic self-reliance is the unchecked influx of foreign — often Chinese – products disguised as Indian. These goods enter Indian markets through various deceptive means: relabeling, e-commerce channels, or manipulation of rules of origin. This not only undermines domestic manufacturers but also creates false narratives around India’s industrial capabilities. The lack of clear and visible indicators of a product’s origin makes it difficult for the average Indian consumer – especially those unfamiliar with English or technical product labeling — to make informed choices.

The Solution: ‘One Nation, One Symbol’

The proposed ‘One Nation, One Symbol’ initiative seeks to create a single, universally recognized mark for all Made in India products, thereby enabling consumers to easily identify and support Indian-origin goods. This concept is rooted in the citizen-led movement spearheaded by Savitha Rao of India Positive Citizen, and now formally backed by ABGP and SJM. Imagine a distinctive, simple logo on every product – like a tricolor. chakra or another culturally resonant symbol – that instantly communicates to every Indian, regardless of literacy or language, that the product is made in India. It becomes a daily affirmation of patriotism, a small but significant economic decision made at millions of shop counters across the nation.

Empowering Every Indian

This initiative has the potential to evolve into a truly citizen-driven movement. While it may not be mandatory initially – especially for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) – the voluntary adoption, supported by an awareness campaign, could ignite a behavioural change at scale.

When consumers begin demanding products with the ‘Made in India’ symbol, retailers and brands will be forced to adapt. Unsold foreign products will send a powerful signal, leading to recalibrated supply chains and increased domestic sourcing. Thus, the transformation starts not with massive capital outlays or top-down mandates, but with a simple shift in consumer choice — one product at a time.

Boost to Indian Industry and Employment

A uniform national symbol for Indian products will naturally incentivize buyers to prioritize Indian- made goods. This will:

• Boost demand for Indian MSME products,
• Encourage local entrepreneurship and innovation,
• Generate jobs across both skilled and unskilled sectors,
• Strengthen India’s industrial backbone, and
• Reduce dependence on imports, particularly from countries like China.

More importantly, it could lead to greater brand visibility and trust in Indian products, both domestically and internationally. India already has the manufacturing talent and entrepreneurial spirit – this initiative can catalyze their scaling and global outreach.

Cultural and Psychological Resonance

The symbol won’t just be an economic tool; it will be a cultural emblem. Just as the national flag evokes unity and pride, this symbol will represent economic sovereignty and citizen empowerment. It aligns with deeper emotional values of self-respect, community responsibility, and cultural continuity. Buying a product with the Made in India symbol will become an act of identity, of conscious nationalism. It offers every Indian – rich or poor, urban or rural – an accessible way to contribute to the national cause.

Addressing Skepticism and Misuse

Critics may argue that such a symbolic measure cannot make a real economic impact or may be
misused by unethical manufacturers. But these risks can be mitigated by:

• Establishing clear certification standards,
• Having strict penalties for misuse,
• Allowing third-party audits for compliance,
• Ensuring that the symbol is protected by law and regulated by a central authority.

These practical safeguards will ensure that the initiative remains credible and achieves its intended impact.

Alignment with Broader Campaigns

The ‘One Nation, One Symbol’ initiative complements and strengthens several existing national programs such as:

• Vocal for Local,
• Make in India,
• Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India),
• Digital India,
• Startup India.

All these campaigns aim to build a robust Indian economy rooted in innovation, sustainability, and indigenous strength. A recognizable national symbol will act as a unifying tool to bring these parallel efforts together into one cohesive movement.

A Step Towards Economic Nationalism

In today’s multipolar world, where economics and geopolitics are deeply intertwined, self-reliance is no longer just an economic choice — it is a strategic necessity. With global supply chains getting realigned post-COVID and amid geopolitical tensions, India must seize the opportunity to become a trusted manufacturing and innovation hub. The ‘One Nation, One Symbol’ initiative provides a grassroots-level mechanism to build domestic strength from the bottom up. It is simple, cost-effective, culturally rooted, and strategically powerful.

A Nation Empowered by Its Citizens

India’s economic destiny does not rest solely in the hands of policymakers or industrialists. It lies equally in the hands of its 1.4 billion citizens. By empowering them with a clear symbol, a simple visual cue to choose Indian over foreign, we unlock a silent revolution. In this revolution, every household becomes a battleground for self-reliance, every consumer a warrior for national prosperity, and every purchase an act of quiet defiance against economic colonization. It’s time India embraced the power of unity – not just in slogans, but in symbols. One Nation. One People. One Symbol. Let the journey to a truly self-reliant India begin with one small logo – and one big idea.