Since 2014, Bharat has witnessed a series of transformative policy shifts under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These changes span economics, social initiatives, industrialization, health, defence, education, and diplomacy. Many of these reforms are rooted in the ethos of Atmanirbhar Bharat, emphasizing indigenous development, cultural resurgence, and a civilizational narrative that draws from Hindu philosophical traditions of inclusivity, sustainability, and holistic progress.

Economic and Financial Policies

The Modi government has introduced several landmark economic reforms to boost growth, transparency, and global competitiveness. Key initiatives include:

• Goods and Services Tax (GST): Unified the indirect tax regime, simplifying compliance and increasing state revenues.
• Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC): Streamlined the resolution of distressed assets and improved the business environment.
• Digital India and JAM Trinity: Leveraged technology for direct benefit transfers (DBT), financial inclusion, and digital payments, reducing leakages and empowering citizens.
• Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes: Boosted manufacturing in key sectors, supporting the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and reducing import dependence.
• Economic Diplomacy: Enhanced global economic engagement, leveraging Bharat’s market and diaspora for strategic gains.

Bharat’s GDP growth has remained robust, with significant improvements in infrastructure, FDI inflows, and global rankings in ease of doing business. These reforms reflect a civilizational ethos of dharma (righteousness) in governance—prioritizing transparency, fairness, and sustainable growth.

Social Initiatives

The government’s social policies have focused on upliftment, empowerment, and dignity for all:

• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: A nationwide sanitation drive, inspired by Gandhian ideals, has led to the construction of millions of toilets, reducing open defecation and improving public health.
• Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY): The world’s largest health insurance scheme, providing free healthcare to over 500 million Bharatiyas, especially the poor.
• Social Justice Schemes: Initiatives for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs, and marginalized groups, including scholarships, skill development, and entrepreneurship support.
• Women’s Empowerment: Programs like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Ujjwala Yojana (LPG connections), and MUDRA loans have improved gender parity and economic participation.

These initiatives echo the Hindu civilizational value of sarvodaya (welfare of all), ensuring that the fruits of development reach the last person in society.

Industrialization and Infrastructure

• Make in India: A flagship program to promote domestic manufacturing, attract investment, and generate jobs, with a focus on sectors such as electronics, defence, and renewable energy.
• Infrastructure Push: Massive investments in roads, railways, ports, and airports, including the Bharatmala and Sagarmala projects, have improved connectivity and logistics.
• Startup India and MSME Support: Encouraged entrepreneurship and innovation, building a vibrant ecosystem for startups and small businesses.

The emphasis on indigenous production and innovation is aligned with the Hindu concept of swadeshi (self-reliance), fostering pride in local capabilities and reducing external dependencies.

Health and Sanitation

• Ayushman Bharat: As mentioned, this scheme has revolutionized access to healthcare for the poor.
• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Not only a sanitation drive but also a public health movement, reducing disease burden and improving quality of life.
• Mission Indradhanush: Expanded immunization coverage, protecting millions of children from vaccine-preventable diseases.
• COVID-19 Response: Bharat’s vaccination drive was among the world’s largest, with vaccines developed and manufactured domestically.

These health initiatives reflect the civilizational ideal of seva (service), prioritizing the well-being of all citizens.

Defence and Anti-Terrorism

• Defence Modernization: Major investments in indigenous defence production, including the development of fighter jets, warships, and advanced missile systems.
• Policy Reforms: Introduction of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) and increased FDI in defence manufacturing, encouraging private sector participation.
• Counter-Terrorism: Strong responses to cross-border terrorism (e.g., surgical strikes, Balakot airstrike), enhanced intelligence sharing, and modernization of armed forces.
• Strategic Autonomy: Strengthening of strategic partnerships while maintaining non-alignment, reflecting the civilizational value of shakti (strength) and viveka (discernment).

These reforms have aimed at achieving self-reliance, strategic deterrence, and technological prowess, resonating with the Hindu tradition of kshatra (defence and valor).

Education and Research

• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: A paradigm shift focusing on holistic, multidisciplinary education rooted in Bharatiya knowledge systems, languages, and values.
• Research and Innovation: Increased funding for research, establishment of new IITs, AIIMS, and other institutions, and promotion of STEM education.
• Skill India: Large-scale skill development programs to equip youth for the demands of a modern economy.

The NEP’s emphasis on Bharatiya knowledge traditions and critical thinking is a conscious effort to revive the civilizational legacy of ancient universities like Nalanda and Takshashila.

Digital India and Soft Power

• Digital India: Universal access to digital infrastructure, e-governance, and digital literacy, bridging the urban-rural divide.
• Soft Power Diplomacy: Promotion of yoga, Ayurveda, and Bharatiya culture globally, enhancing Bharat’s image as a civilizational state.
• Diaspora Engagement: Leveraging the global Bharatiya community for economic, technological, and cultural exchange.

The digital revolution and cultural diplomacy reflect the Hindu worldview of vasudhaiva kutumbakam (the world is one family), promoting harmony and shared progress.

The policy shifts in Bharat since 2014 under the Modi government represent a blend of modern governance and ancient civilizational wisdom. By prioritizing self-reliance, inclusivity, indigenous innovation, and global engagement, these reforms seek to realize the vision of a strong, prosperous, and culturally confident Bharat. The guiding principles—dharma, sarvodaya, swadeshi, seva, and vasudhaiva kutumbakam—continue to shape Bharat’s journey as a rising civilizational power in the 21st century.