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Friday, October 17, 2025
HomeOpinionIndian Liberals Matter

Indian Liberals Matter

Was India’s public sector born out of European envy?

For all its obvious blemishes, capitalism alone holds out the most creative and dynamic force that any civilization has ever discovered, wrote BP Godrej in 1980.

Russian-style socialism dominated Nehru’s imagination. It was disastrous

It is necessary to break the spell of socialist dogma on the imagination of those attracted by its Utopia as the only scientific way of progress, wrote MA Venkatarao in 1963.

State control blocks India’s progress and exploits its people: C Rajagopalachari

The Swatantra Party wants the removal of the permit-licence-quota raj, which sits heavily over all national production and trade, Rajagopalachari wrote in 1963.

From Vedanta, India turned to Nehruvian socialism and buried its liberal roots: Sharad Joshi

An Indian Hitler will have to be exceptionally lucky to survive for any length of time. This much hope ought to be enough for seekers of liberty and equality, wrote Sharad Anantrao Joshi, president of Swatantra Bharat Paksh party, in 1995.

Planning for the free market, not state control, will lift India out of poverty: BR Shenoy

A free-market system based on consumer sovereignty, with the state confined to essential public functions would generate much faster growth, Shenoy wrote in 1963.

Like a gambler, govts squandered India’s legacy through mindless socialism: Nani Palkhivala

Our brand of socialism did not result in transfer of wealth from the rich to the poor but only from the honest rich to the dishonest rich, lawyer-jurist Nani A Palkhivala said in 1991.

Bank nationalisation will be a blow to India’s mixed economy, lead to totalitarianism: Phiroze Shroff

If banks were to be nationalised, politicians would start interfering with bank officials and put undue pressure on them, Prof Shroff wrote in 1963.

Socialist planners aggravated unemployment problem

Planning Commission couldn't tackle unemployment because new job opportunities in large-scale industries producing consumer goods were not created, wrote GN Lawande in 1963.

Socialism doesn’t deliver prosperity or produce equality. Does it give freedom? Of course not

‘If socialism does not serve the purposes for which it was intended, that is, moving towards a freer and more equal society, is liberalism the alternative?’ wrote Minoo Masani in 1966.

Socialism hinders India’s industrial growth. We need free enterprise first

‘The tirade against capitalism is wholly unfounded. Capitalism as it has shaped during the past quarter of a century is a far better method of developing the economic resources of any country,’ wrote DN Hosali in 1956.

On Camera

China is the only nation gaining from Russia-Ukraine war. India must rethink multi-alignment

New Delhi does not want a humiliated Russia. While every path to a stalemate is painful, a Russian defeat would be far worse for India’s interests.

Paul John Whisky, Malhar Gin win top honours at Soho India Wine & Spirits Awards 2025

Goa: Creators of the Paul John Indian Single Malt Whisky and Malhar India Craft Gin, John Distilleries registered yet another stellar showing at the...

Amit Shah announces 7th NSG hub in Ayodhya, near Ram temple, to ensure troops available 24×7

On NSG raising day, Home Minister also opens Special Operation Training Centre at NSG facility in Manesar. Besides NSG troops, it will also train state police forces.

CJI, IPS, IAS & Homebound: A wake-up call 75 years in the making

Education, reservations, govt jobs are meant to bring equality and dignity. That we are a long way from that is evident in the shoe thrown at the CJI and the suicide of Haryana IPS officer. The film Homebound has a lesson too.