The Power of Metaphors and Symbols in Aligning Society and Guiding Economic Development

Metaphors and symbols play an influential role in shaping societal narratives. They motivate collective action toward a common purpose. They simplify complex ideas, evoke emotions, create shared identity and provide a moral compass.

1. Simplify Complex Ideas: Metaphors make abstract concepts more tangible and easier to understand. Thus, fostering shared understanding across diverse groups.
2. Evoke Emotions: Symbols and metaphors tap into shared emotions and values. The galvanising inspires people to connect with a cause on a deeper level and allows them to act.
3. Create Shared Identity: Metaphors and symbols cultivate a sense of shared identity by creating a common language and imagery. Belonging encourages people to work together towards a collective goal.
4. Provide Moral Compass: Metaphors and symbols can be powerful reminders of cultural values, ethical principles, and societal aspirations. They guide behaviour and decision-making.

Can Indian Gods Guide India’s Economic Development?

While Indian gods and goddesses are not economic policy experts. They can inspire and guide India’s economic development in several ways:

1. Values and Ethics: Deities like Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and Kubera (God of treasures) exemplify the importance of wealth creation and prosperity. They emphasise the importance of ethical business practices and sharing wealth with the less fortunate. Gods like Ganesha (remover of obstacles) and Hanuman (devotion and perseverance) can inspire entrepreneurship. They are attributable to values related to overcoming challenges, like resilience and determination.
2. Social Cohesion and Motivation: Shared cultural and religious symbols can unite people from diverse backgrounds. They were promoting social cohesion and a sense of national purpose. Stories of deities overcoming adversity can inspire a sense of optimism. They motivate people to contribute to national development.
3. Environmental Awareness: It is essential to remember the Hindu deities’ association with nature and its preservation. It should raise awareness about the importance of sustainable development and responsible resource management.
4. Symbolism and Representations: Multiple arms often depict the deity’s power and ability to multitask or simultaneously handle various aspects of life. Animal mounts or vehicles (vahanas) represent the deity’s qualities or attributes. For example, Shiva’s bull, Nandi, symbolises strength and masculinity. Each object held in the hands has a symbolic meaning. Vishnu’s conch shell represents the primordial sound of creation, while his discus symbolises the wheel of time. The association of colours is with specific qualities or energies. The blue’s association is with Vishnu, representing infinity and the vastness of the cosmos.

It is important to note:

• Metaphors and symbols are powerful tools but cannot replace sound economic policies, infrastructure investment, and education. Some underlying concepts of Dharma, i.e. righteousness, duty, and moral order; Karma, i.e. The law of cause and effect, where actions have consequences; Moksha, i.e. the liberation from the cycle of birth and death; and Bhakti, i.e., devotion and love for the divine, concepts should be part of sound economic policies. Suppose the government’s disinvestment plans transfer public sector firms to the private sector. In that case, they must apply the Moksha principle along with the Karma, i.e. while transferring assets and personnel with the clause for renewal and upgrade or imposing a penalty.
• It’s essential to Avoid religious discrimination or favouritism in economic development initiatives.
• The focus should be on utilising the positive values and symbolism associated with deities to inspire. They guide rather than rely on them to solve complex economic challenges.

Mapping Indian Gods to Economic Phases

I am trying to provide a framework for understanding and associating the symbolism and values of Indian deities. The idea is to map these values to different stages of economic development. The basis of the above is research and understanding of culture and economics.

1. Labour Economy:

• Indra: As the God of rain, thunder, and agriculture, Indra represents the foundation of a labour-based agrarian economy. His followers were farmers and labourers who relied on the land for their livelihood.
• Ganesha: He is the remover of obstacles and the God of beginnings. Ganesha symbolises the entrepreneurial spirit and the initiation of new ventures. All parts of society revere God, which has been a significant part even in a labour-driven economy.

2. Manufacturing Economy:

• Vishwakarma: The divine architect and craftsman, Vishwakarma represents the skills and knowledge required for manufacturing and construction. His followers were artisans, craftsmen, and engineers who built the infrastructure of the industrial age.
• Lakshmi: The goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi symbolises financial success and material abundance in industrial growth and trade.

3. Incremental Economy:

• Saraswati: Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts. She represents continuous learning, creativity, and innovation for incremental improvements and advancements in technology and processes.
• Vishnu: The preserver and protector, Vishnu symbolises stability, continuity, and preservation. He maintains and manages existing systems and institutions essential for incremental growth.

4. Investment Economy:

• Brahma: The creator of the universe, Brahma represents the vision, innovation, and risk-taking ability. These skills are for investing in new ideas, technologies, and ventures. His followers are entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators who drive economic growth through disruptive change.
• Shiva: The destroyer and transformer, Shiva symbolises the destruction of old, obsolete practices and the creation of new opportunities. Paving the way for investment-driven growth. Shiva symbolises innovation and Indian jugad, e.g., placing an elephant head on his son and finding a solution from what is available.

5. Stakeholder Economy:
• Buddha: The enlightened one, Buddha represents compassion, social responsibility, and sustainable living. His teachings emphasise the well-being of all sentient beings and the importance of balancing economic growth. Policies need to be in sync with environmental and social considerations.
• Mahavira: The founder of Jainism, Mahavira’s teachings emphasise non-violence and non-possessiveness. Respect for all living beings, aligning with the principles of a stakeholder economy.

While not all of it is true, some Indian gods cannot directly dictate economic policies. Their symbolism and the values they represent can undoubtedly provide a powerful source of inspiration and guidance for India’s economic development. They can foster a sense of shared purpose, ethical conduct, and sustainable practices. It contributes to a more prosperous and equitable society. In the Indian context, the transition towards an investment and stakeholder-driven economy is crucial for achieving long-term, sustainable, and inclusive growth. It will require significant investments in education, skill development, infrastructure, and policy reforms. Incentivises to businesses need to be offered to adopt responsible and sustainable practices.

Role of Government and How to Align Belief with Sound Economic Policies

The government, i.e. central and state governments, should play the role of Dieti Lord Bhaga. In Hindu mythology, Bhaga represents the God of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. He is one of the twelve Adityas, a group of solar deities who are sons of Aditi, the mother of the gods.

The government should act as a distributor of wealth and fortune. They should ensure that everyone receives their rightful share of prosperity in life. At the same time, Bhaga is “the giver” or “the dispenser” as he is responsible for apportioning wealth, possessions, and good fortune among beings. Bhaga is depicted as blind, signifying his impartial distribution of wealth and fortune. The government should not discriminate based on social status or merit; everyone receives their due share.

Finally, like Bhaga’s, the balance and fairness of economic development should be another critical consideration. The government should emphasise that everyone has a right to a certain level of prosperity and happiness.

Economic Models and Belief Systems can Go Hand in Hand.

The economic models do represent belief systems as well. A conversation with a colleague helped me to expand my thoughts. The discussions revealed the fundamental difference between our plural Indic Gods and the ‘single authority god’ of an Abrahamic Western belief system. In the Indic system, no one entity can or should possess the ultimate power or the truth, and both are contextual. There is a need to fall on them only as and when appropriate. Thus, we will need all the ‘Gods’ for societal and economic development. We must ensure that the previous economic model’s activities & programs are in play and not on the back burner.

Economic models are not purely objective constructs. They are the by-product of the underlying cultural and philosophical values of the societies that create them. The Indian Knowledge System is based on Gyan, Vigyan, and Darshan. Vigyan is evidence, Gayn is knowledge and wisdom, while darshan is value. While Vigyan focuses on who holds it and how Gyan is being put to use, both are equally important. Indian cultural ethos places significant emphasis on values such as darshan.

Singularity and Western Economic Models:

The concept of singularity in growth models needs more empirical evidence and is not imminent. Technological progress that has become uncontrollable and irreversible is prevalent in Western economic thought — the belief in exponential technological growth and the potential for machines to surpass human intelligence. AI will take over the complexity of human tasks, and thus, the role of humans will change in economic models. It often emphasises productivity, efficiency, and the pursuit of continuous development. These models may prioritise individualistic values and competition, aligning with Western capitalist ideals. However, the blind pursuit of singularity and unchecked growth has led to significant environmental degradation. It has created social inequality and existential angst among many. It has prompted some to question the sustainability and desirability of such models.

Pluralistic Belief Systems and Economic Models:

In contrast, many cultures in India, Asia and Africa hold pluralistic beliefs. The pluralistic systems emphasise interconnectivity, balance, and harmony with nature. These belief systems prioritise community well-being over individual gain and value sustainability over unchecked growth. Economic models that align with these pluralistic belief systems prioritise social welfare, environmental protection, and equitable distribution of resources. They emphasise cooperation over competition and seek a more harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

Finally, Need for Adaptation and Diversity by Blending Economics of Belief:

The world has become increasingly interconnected; it’s crucial to recognise the diversity of existing belief systems and values. Economic models should not be limited to a single worldview. However, they should instead be adaptable and reflective of the cultural contexts. Incorporating pluralistic perspectives into economic models can lead to more holistic and sustainable solutions. For instance, developmental models that value environmental protection and social welfare can guide policies that address climate change, reduce inequality, and promote overall well-being.

The argument for incorporating pluralistic beliefs into economic models is not about rejecting Western economic thought but rather about expanding its scope and inclusivity. By embracing diverse perspectives, we can create more comprehensive models that better reflect the complex realities of our world. This approach is not only ethically sound but also pragmatically beneficial. Economic models that align with the values and beliefs of the people will have higher acceptance and implementation success. In addition, diverse perspectives can lead to innovative solutions and approaches.

In conclusion, economic models are not monolithic or universal. They are adaptable frameworks incorporating diverse belief systems and values. By recognising and valuing different perspectives, we can create financial models that are more inclusive. The inclusive models are more sustainable and ultimately more beneficial for all. Wisdom is not just the right choice or choice; it also uses knowledge in a judicious mix. Plurality is critical not only in planning and designing but also in execution. Unilateralism in decision-making is a requirement only in emergency or military situations.