Dr.Ashwani Mahajan and the Swadeshi Jagran Manch: A Key Voice in India's Economic Policy

Dr.Ashwani Mahajan and the Swadeshi Jagran Manch: A Key Voice in India's Economic Policy

Early Life and Education

Dr.Ashwani Mahajan was born in India and pursued his higher education in economics. He completed his B.A. (Hons) in Economicsfrom Ramjas College, University of Delhi in 1980. He then obtained his Master’s degree in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi in 1982. Later, he earned his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Lucknow in 1994.

Academic Career

Mahajan has been a professor of economics at PGDAV College, University of Delhi since October 24, 1983. Before joining PGDAV College, he briefly worked as a lecturer at Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), University of Delhi, from September 1982 to December 1982.

His areas of specialization include:

- Public Economics

- Monetary Economics

- Indian Economy

Over the years, he has authored more than a dozen books and contributed research articles to prestigious journals such as **Economic & Political Weekly, South Asia Economic Journal, Pacific Business Review International, Indian Economy Almanac, and Mainstream**.

Contributions to Economic Policy and Activism

Dr.Mahajan is widely recognized for his role as the National Co-Convener of the Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), an economic and cultural organization affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He has been a vocal advocate for **economic nationalism**, self-reliance, and restrictions on foreign direct investment (FDI) in sensitive sectors.

His policy interventions have led to:

- Revisions in India's FDI policies, particularly in retail trade and e-commerce

- Opposition to genetically modified (GM) crops

- Advocacy for employment-driven economic growth over GDP-centric models.

Dr.Mahajan has also represented India at five WTO Ministerial Conferences, including those held in Geneva, Bali, Nairobi, and Buenos Aires, as a representative of the Swadeshi Jagran Foundation, an accredited NGO with the WTO.

Dr.Mahajan has co-authored Datt & Sundaram’s Indian Economy, a widely used textbook on Indian economic policies. He has also written extensively for national newspapers and magazines, including The Economic Times, The Statesman, Pioneer, Deccan Herald, Indian Express, and various Hindi dailies.

He frequently appears on television as an economic expert, discussing India’s trade policies, economic reforms, and self-reliance initiatives.

Awards and Recognition

- Best Student Union Advisor Award (University of Delhi, 1995)

- Skoch Award for Contributions in Economics (2019).

Dr.Mahajan is a prominent economist and professor, best known for his role as the National Co-Convener of the Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), an economic and cultural organization affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). His work has been instrumental in shaping India's economic policies, particularly in advocating for self-reliance and opposing globalization trends that he believes are detrimental to India's economic sovereignty.

Swadeshi Jagran Manch: Origins and Ideology

The Swadeshi Jagran Manch was founded on November 22, 1991, during India's economic liberalization era. Initially seen as a dissenting voice against globalization, SJM has evolved into a key policy influencer over the years. By 1996, it had established itself as a significant force in economic debates, consistently opposing policies that it viewed as harmful to India's self-sufficiency.

SJM promotes the philosophy of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India), advocating for policies that prioritize domestic industries, restrict foreign direct investment (FDI) in sensitive sectors, and oppose genetically modified (GM) crops. The organization has played a crucial role in influencing government decisions on land acquisition, e-commerce regulations, and agricultural policies.

Dr.Ashwani Mahajan’s Contributions

Dr.Mahajan, a professor of economics at PGDAV College, University of Delhi, has been a vocal critic of globalization and foreign economic interventions. His policy interventions have led to significant changes, including the withdrawal of controversial land acquisition ordinances and revisions in India's FDI policies.

Dr.Mahajan has also been a strong opponent of GM crops, arguing that they pose risks to India's agricultural sustainability. He has actively campaigned against their approval, citing concerns over food security and environmental impact.

Beyond activism, Mahajan is a prolific writer, having co-authored books such as *Datt & Sundaram’s Indian Economy*. His articles have appeared in leading national newspapers and journals, where he critiques GDP-centric development models and advocates for employment-driven economic growth.

Recent Policy Stances

In December 2024, Mahajan echoed RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s concerns about India's declining fertility rate, warning that a shrinking population could slow economic growth. He argued that maintaining a stable population is crucial for sustaining India's development efforts, citing global examples where low fertility rates have led to economic stagnation.

Dr.Ashwani Mahajan and the Swadeshi Jagran Manch continue to be influential voices in India's economic discourse. Their advocacy for self-reliance, skepticism of globalization, and emphasis on indigenous industries have shaped key policy decisions. As India navigates its economic future, Mahajan’s perspectives will likely remain central to debates on trade, investment, and development strategies.