India’s Path to Prosperity: A Return to Roots, Says H.M. Bangur

At the recent World Hindu Economic Forum 2025, a powerful message resonated through the halls: for India to truly achieve lasting prosperity, it must look inward and reinvest in its rich civilisational values. This profound call to action came from prominent industrialist H.M. Bangur, urging a re-evaluation of the foundational principles that have guided Indian society for millennia.

Bangur’s address underscored the idea that economic growth, while vital, cannot be sustainable or truly meaningful without being anchored in a strong ethical and cultural framework. He highlighted that India’s ancient wisdom tradition offers a robust blueprint for holistic development, one that encompasses not just material wealth but also social harmony, environmental stewardship, and individual well-being.

What are these Civilisational Values?

When we speak of ‘civilisational values,’ we refer to a tapestry of principles deeply woven into the fabric of Indian thought and life. These include:

• Dharma (Righteous Conduct): Emphasizing ethical actions, integrity, and duty in all spheres, including business.
• Seva (Selfless Service): Encouraging contributions to the community and society beyond personal gain.
• Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family): Fostering a global outlook, interconnectedness, and compassion.
• Sustainability: Respect for nature and resources, ensuring prosperity for future generations.
• Knowledge and Learning: Valuing education, innovation, and wisdom as drivers of progress.
• Entrepreneurship with Ethics: Promoting business ventures that are not only profitable but also socially responsible and morally sound.

Connecting Values to Prosperity

The link between these timeless values and modern economic prosperity might not be immediately obvious in a purely transactional world. However, Bangur’s thesis suggests a powerful correlation:

• Trust and Reputation: Businesses built on Dharma and integrity foster trust, leading to stronger customer loyalty and better long-term partnerships.
• Innovation and Creativity: A culture that values knowledge and learning fuels innovation, adapting to challenges and creating new opportunities.
• Social Capital: Principles of Seva and community build strong social networks, reducing transactional costs and increasing collective resilience.
• Sustainable Practices: Respect for the environment ensures the longevity of resources and mitigates risks associated with climate change, crucial for long-term economic stability.
• Holistic Well-being: An emphasis on individual and collective well-being leads to a healthier, more productive workforce and a more stable society.

By consciously integrating these indigenous values into contemporary business models and governance, India can cultivate an economic environment that is not only robust and competitive but also equitable, ethical, and deeply rooted in its unique identity.

A Vision for India’s Future

H.M. Bangur’s address serves as a timely reminder that true prosperity is multifaceted. It’s not merely about GDP numbers but about creating a society where wealth creation is harmonious with nature, respectful of human dignity, and guided by a higher purpose. For India, the path to becoming a global economic powerhouse lies not in blindly emulating others, but in confidently embracing and reinvesting in the enduring strength of its own civilisational heritage. The World Hindu Economic Forum 2025 has set a compelling agenda for this crucial reorientation.

Source: Original Article