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Thursday, October 2, 2025
HomeOpinionIndian Liberals Matter

Indian Liberals Matter

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.

Private enterprise didn’t fail in India. JN Tata’s steel dream soared despite British ridicule

‘Nationalisation of the Imperial Bank and recently nationalisation of life insurance have dealt further blows to Private Enterprise and made capital more and more shy', wrote AD Shroff in his 1956 essay.

Private enterprise built India’s industries. Now it’s strangled by Gods in Delhi

Political authority and economic power are now concentrated in the hands of ministers and bureaucracy. Democracy is bound to degenerate into dictatorship, wrote MA Master in August 1960.

Prices, like water, will find their own level. Controls breed vested interests: Minoo Masani

‘A British economist has said that to try to stop prices by controls is like a lady going to a surgeon to remove her double chin—the thing comes out at the back of her neck in a bump,' wrote Minoo Masani in November 1966.

Free education is mere jugglery of words. A hangover of anti-rational pre-Partition days

‘There is no such thing as free education. Money paid to teachers comes ultimately from people, as taxes if not as tuition fees,' wrote Professor Om Prakash Kahol on 1 January 1959.

On Camera

Political MK Gandhi failed, caused harm. Gave Congress its tradition of backseat driving

Gandhi’s life shows how politics should not be done. Then where did this Gandhi-worship arise in India? It is a petty political ritual.

More Andhra-style prawn fry for Indian plates? How Naidu’s trying to blunt US tariff hit on aqua exports

Naidu attempts to shield aqua farmers after Trump’s tariff hits the shrimp farming sector in Andhra Pradesh, leading to the cancellation of 50% of the state's exports.

Finnish giant ICEYE to build signature radar microsatellites in India, offers full control to govt

Company builds microsatellites that are smaller, faster, cheaper to produce. ICEYE will develop & launch micro-satellites, hand them over to India, which will have full control & sovereignty.

Something’s hidden in the Oval Office photo of Trump, Munir, Sharif. India must look closely

What Munir has achieved with Trump is a return to normal, ironing out the post-Abbottabad crease. The White House picture gives us insight into how Pakistan survives, occasionally thrives and thinks.