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By:

Monica B. Sood

3 June 2026 at 2:03:13 pm

Economics With a Civilisational Soul

A reflection on the ideas, history, and philosophy that shaped The Economic DNA of Bharat. In The Economic DNA of Bharat, I explore an alternative framework that places civilisation, ethics, and human dignity at the centre of economic thought. Part philosophy, part policy discourse, and part civilisational reflection, the book offers a sweeping exploration of Bharat’s economic journey, from the Indus–Saraswati civilisation to the aspirations of an Atmanirbhar India. In writing it, I sought to...

Economics With a Civilisational Soul

A reflection on the ideas, history, and philosophy that shaped The Economic DNA of Bharat. In The Economic DNA of Bharat, I explore an alternative framework that places civilisation, ethics, and human dignity at the centre of economic thought. Part philosophy, part policy discourse, and part civilisational reflection, the book offers a sweeping exploration of Bharat’s economic journey, from the Indus–Saraswati civilisation to the aspirations of an Atmanirbhar India. In writing it, I sought to bring together economic analysis with cultural and civilisational perspectives. Beyond Numbers A central argument of the book is that economics cannot be viewed merely through graphs and GDP indicators. To me, an economy is a living organism shaped by people, memory, culture, and moral responsibility. As I write in the book: “To me, the economy of Bharat is not a graph. It is a living organism that breathes through every artisan’s hand, every farmer’s field, every mother’s kitchen, every child’s dream, and every elder’s wisdom.” This perspective shapes the book’s approach throughout. Rather than presenting economics as a detached discipline, it examines economic ideas through the experiences of farmers, artisans, women, village communities, and indigenous knowledge systems. In doing so, it brings the human and cultural dimensions of economic development into sharper focus. Legacy of Kumar In the book, I examine the ideas of my late father, economist and visionary Paramjit Kumar, on economic sovereignty, self-reliance, and national development, while also tracing their influence on my own understanding of economics. His work sought to connect economic policy with national dignity and long-term societal well-being. “He believed that true power lay not in bombs but in bread.” I also explore his ideas on ethical public expenditure, decentralisation, food security, and self-reliance. A central argument explored in the book is that every fiscal decision carries not just economic consequences but moral ones as well. Civilisational Ethos I trace Bharat’s economic foundations through village republics, artisan guilds, temple economies, and ancient trade systems, arguing that India historically nurtured an economy rooted in trust, reciprocity, and collective welfare. A recurring theme is the idea of the “emotional economy” — the belief that economic relationships extend beyond the exchange of goods and services to encompass social bonds and shared values. As the book notes, “Guilds of artisans, merchant caravans, and farming cooperatives did not merely trade goods; they traded trust, identity, and belonging.” The chapters discussing the Indus–Saraswati civilisation, Kautilya’s Arthashastra, and the relationship between Artha and Dharma present an alternative lens through which economic history can be viewed—not merely as commerce, but as civilisation-building. Developmental Journey I also examine contemporary India’s developmental trajectory, including post-Independence economic evolution, liberalisation, digital transformation, infrastructure expansion, and employment-generation initiatives within the broader context of national development. From Skill India and Make in India to digital infrastructure and manufacturing reforms, I view these developments as part of a larger process of economic and civilisational renewal. Throughout, it emphasises the importance of inclusivity, self-reliance, and long-term sustainability. “We must construct an economy not of emulation, but of integration.” The emphasis throughout is not simply on growth, but on meaningful growth—one that reaches villages, empowers women, supports artisans, strengthens farmers, and creates opportunities for future generations. Personal Reflections Alongside its discussion of economic policy and development, the book incorporates personal reflections that help frame its broader themes and ideas. Some of these reflections centre on my experience of learning economics from my father: “My classroom was my home. My professor was my father. My syllabus was the soul of Bharat.” These personal insights provide context for many of the perspectives explored throughout the book. They also underscore its central themes of civilisational continuity, economic self-reliance, and Bharat’s future development. Economic Soul Through this book, I explore Bharat as both an emerging economy and a civilisation with its own developmental and philosophical traditions. Drawing on historical examples, contemporary policy discussions, and personal reflections, the book examines themes such as economic sovereignty, self-reliance, social cohesion, and sustainable development. It also considers how these ideas may inform Bharat’s future trajectory in a rapidly changing global landscape. My hope is that the book encourages readers to think about economics not only as a matter of production and consumption, but also as a reflection of culture, values, and collective purpose.

A beacon of hope for rural athletes

Updated: Oct 22, 2024

How Akash Shinde transformed from a shy village boy to a prominent kabaddi player

beacon of hope

Mumbai: In the heart of Nashik's Adgaon village, a young boy Akash Shinde dared to dream big. Little did he know that his journey from playing in the muddy grounds of his town to becoming a PKL winner would inspire a generation of aspiring athletes.


“Initially, when I used to play, I would come home with bruises because Kabaddi was played in the mud,” Akash recalls as he enters his fourth season with the Puneri Paltan. And despite his family's initial concerns, his passion for kabaddi burned bright, fuelled by the unwavering support of his early mentors Sagar Malwade and Vinod Labde.


His path to success was far from smooth. He faced numerous setbacks, failing to make the cut in his first attempts at various levels. “I fell short in my first attempts at all levels. I went for my senior camp for Maharashtra and fell short there too!”


But instead of letting these failures discourage him, Akash used them as stepping stones. “These setbacks kept me determined, and I knew I needed to try harder and with renewed energy to show the world what I could do and achieve.”


His breakthrough came in 2019 at a seniors’ trial in Nashik. This performance opened doors, leading him to play in the Junior Nationals and eventually catching the eye of Yuva Paltan, which is the Puneri Paltan’s academy.


The turning point in Akash’s career came when he represented his college in Beed, earning his first chance to play for Maharashtra. Under the guidance of Anil Jagdale and Kailas Jagdale, his skills flourished. His journey accelerated as he moved from Mahindra & Mahindra to Yuva Paltan, where mentors like Sangram and Ashok helped refine his game.


Akash’s PKL debut with Puneri Paltan in Season 8 was a moment of immense pride, not just for him but for his entire village. “No player from the Nashik region had made it to PKL or even the Maharashtra team, so it was a shock, a pleasant one, for everyone. The entire Nashik district was very happy. It felt really good,” he reminisces.


But it was in Season 9 that he truly announced his arrival, becoming a formidable force on the mat. In the 22 matches that Akash played on the way to his first PKL final, he scored 139 raid points, averaging 6.32 raid point per match.


His performances caught the eye of the national selectors, earning him a spot on the Indian team for the Asian Games. “I received my Team India kit on the 27th of October. I still remember it,” he says.


The crowning glory came in PKL Season 10 when Akash, along with his Puneri Paltan teammates, lifted the coveted trophy. Albeit playing a diminished role, he managed an impressive 56 raid points in the 13 matches he played. “There was only one target then... we had made up our minds that we had to win the title this season, whatever it took,” he shared, reflecting on the team’s collective determination. Now, Akash stands as a beacon of hope for young athletes from rural India. His message to them is clear: “Keep believing in yourselves and your dedication and efforts.” He emphasizes the importance of loyalty, urging young players to stay true to the clubs that nurture them.


As he prepares for PKL Season 11, his journey from the muddy grounds of Adgaon to the bright lights of Pro Kabaddi serves as a testament to the power of dreams, determination, and unwavering support.

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