A Veritable Kamadhenu

Swadeshi work is the most constructive of all; it does not lend itself to speeches so much as to solid action. It is not possible to save fifty crores of rupees annually by speeches or demonstrations. It involves much more than the saving of this annual drain. It involves the honour of Indian womanhood. Everyone, who has any connection with the mill industry, knows that the women working in the mills are exposed to temptations and risks to which they ought not to be exposed. Many women for want of home employment accept road repair labour. And only those who know what this labour is, understand the risks the women run. Give them the spinning wheel and no woman need ever seek any other employment than sitting at the spinning wheel. Swadeshi means even distribution of wealth from an occupation next in importance only to agriculture. It supplements agriculture and, therefore, automatically assists materially to solve the problem of our growing poverty. Thus, Swadeshi is our veritable Kamadhenu¹, supplying all our wants and solving many of our difficult problems.

- Young India: April 21, 1920

1. The Divine Cow in Hindu mythology which gives everything that is desired of it.