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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.

Merit Imperilled

From NEET paper leaks to the CBSE’s digital fiasco, India’s examination system appears to be confronting a major crisis of competence and credibility. For generations of our countrymen, examinations have been the principal mechanism through which talent, discipline and hard work could overcome social circumstance. In a country where millions compete for limited opportunities, examinations serve as the foundation of meritocracy. When that foundation begins to crack, the consequences extend far beyond classrooms.


The latest turmoil within the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is yet another warning signal in a broader governance crisis engulfing India’s examination ecosystem. The transfer of the CBSE chairman and secretary, alongside the Centre’s decision to establish an inquiry into the procurement of services for the board’s on-screen marking system, comes amid mounting concerns about transparency, accountability and technological competence.


The fiasco started when students seeking scanned copies of answer sheets reportedly received papers that did not belong to them. Cases of answer-sheet mismatches emerged and allegations surfaced regarding evaluation errors and grade misallocation.


Just days before, India witnessed one of its most significant exam crises in form of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) paper leak scandal. What links the NEET scandal and the CBSE controversy is not merely administrative incompetence but the growing perception that institutions entrusted with safeguarding merit are struggling to safeguard themselves.


India’s examination architecture has become extraordinarily complex. Every year, boards, universities and recruitment agencies process candidates through increasingly digitised systems. Yet, it is seen that technological adoption has often raced ahead of institutional preparedness. Digital platforms are introduced before adequate safeguards are established. As more work is outsourced, accountability becomes harder to fix and procurement decisions grows less transparent.


The result is a dangerous erosion of trust. Examination systems depend not merely on procedural fairness but on public confidence in that fairness. Students must believe that answer sheets are secure. Parents must believe that marks reflect genuine performance rather than administrative error.


The social costs of these failures are immense. Behind every examination controversy stand millions of young students who have invested years of effort and emotional energy into a competitive process.


India’s demographic future depends heavily upon its ability to reward merit fairly and consistently. That demands rigorous technological audits, transparent procurement processes and clearly defined accountability mechanisms for vendors and administrators alike.


Most importantly, policymakers must recognise that examination governance is not a peripheral administrative function but a core pillar of social mobility and state legitimacy. The danger facing India today is that repeated failures across institutions are normalising distrust. A nation that aspires to become a knowledge superpower cannot afford an examination system whose credibility is perpetually under question.


When students lose faith in the fairness of examinations, the idea of merit itself begins to lose meaning. No governance failure could be more consequential.

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