In any democracy, the consumer is not just a buyer – they are a stakeholder in the economy. Every purchase we make has a ripple effect. It supports jobs, determines trade balances, and influences the strength of domestic industries. And yet, for far too long, the average Indian consumer has not had one of the most basic rights: to clearly and easily know where a product is made.

When I walk into a store or browse online, I expect transparency. I want to know what I’m buying – not just the price or features, but the origin. Just as we expect nutritional information on food or expiry dates on medicines, country of origin must be upfront and visible. It’s not a privilege; it’s our right.

Why does it matter?

Because when I choose a product made in India, I’m not just buying an object. I’m investing in local jobs, in Indian enterprises, in the dream of a self-reliant nation. I’m choosing resilience over dependence, and trust over anonymity.

There’s also the issue of accountability. If a product is defective or unsafe, knowing its origin helps trace responsibility. In a globalised world where supply chains span countries, this information gives consumers the power to make ethical, informed choices.

In 2020, a landmark regulation made it mandatory for e-commerce platforms to display the country of origin for listed products. It was a step in the right direction – one that needs to be strengthened and implemented universally across physical stores as well.

Here’s the larger point: when we give consumers full information, we don’t just protect their rights – we also empower their responsibility. Most Indians want to support the nation. But they can only do that when they are given the tools to make conscious, patriotic choices. Transparency in origin labeling enables every Indian to contribute to nation building – not just once in five years, but every single day, every time they spend.

And here’s where a simple, powerful solution comes in – a common, easy-to-recognize symbol for all Made in India products. One Nation One Symbol (ONOS) is an idea whose time has come. With a visual mark on every Indian-made product, even the illiterate, the elderly, or those shopping in a hurry can instantly identify and choose Indian goods if they wish to. No language barriers. No fine print. Just clear, visual identity.

It’s time we stop treating transparency as a courtesy. It’s a RIGHT. And in enabling that right, we unlock the power of 1.4 billion citizens to act with purpose.

As a citizen and a consumer, I stand for transparency. I stand for choice. And I stand for the right to know – because only when I know, can I truly do my part.