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But India cannot live for Lancashire or any other country…

“But India cannot live for Lancashire or any other country before she is able to live for herself. And she can live for herself only if she produces and is helped to produce everything for her requirements within her own borders. She need not be, she ought not to be, drawn into the vertex of mad…” quote by Mahatma Gandhi
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““But India cannot live for Lancashire or any other country before she is able to live for herself. And she can live for herself only if she produces and is helped to produce everything for her requirements within her own borders. She need not be, she ought not to be, drawn into the vertex of mad and ruinous competition which breeds fratricide, jealousy and many other evils. But who is to stop her great millionaires from entering into the world competition?””

Mahatma Gandhi

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

India must achieve economic self‑sufficiency before engaging in global competition, avoiding harmful rivalries.

In simple terms: India should first be self‑reliant.

Key Takeaway

Focus on domestic production first.

Themes

self‑reliance nationalism economic independence

Mood

determined reflective

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policy planning
  • industrial strategy
  • education reform
  • trade negotiations

Key Concepts

colonialism development globalization

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can a nation balance self‑reliance with beneficial global trade?
  • What risks arise from isolationist policies?
A Different Perspective

Achieving self‑reliance may limit access to foreign technology and capital.

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