Let us come together — citizens, creators, businesses, and policymakers — to give India what it truly deserves: A single symbol. A shared pride. One Nation. One Symbol. For Made in India. — Savitha Rao

Walk into any physical store in India. What drives a buying decision? - Price, Design, Color, Warranty. That’s the current checklist. What’s missing? Country of origin. Not because people don’t care. But because the information is often not available or visible , or not readable.

Many products don’t carry the country of origin clearly. Some don’t have it at all. And when they do, it’s printed in English — or another language the buyer may not read.

In a country where millions aren’t fluent in English or even literate, expecting a text-based label to influence buying behaviour is unrealistic.

This is exactly why we need One Nation One Symbol for Made in India - a distinctive visual mark. 

A visual mark is instant. It cuts across literacy and language. It doesn’t ask the buyer to read - it invites them to recognize.

When that symbol appears on a bar of soap, a sari, a phone charger, or a toy - the choice becomes clear: this supports India.

One Nation. One Symbol. For Made in India.

In a world where identity drives influence and symbols hold powerful recall, I believe it’s time for India to unite under one bold and unmistakable idea — One Nation, One Symbol for all products made in India.

As the founder of India Positive Citizen, a movement committed to inspiring everyday acts of nation-building, I’ve spent years working on the ground — engaging with citizens, entrepreneurs, artisans, and institutions. And through this journey, one truth has become clear: when millions of small actions move in one direction, they reshape the destiny of a nation.

Today, India stands at a pivotal moment. From khadi to chips, Ayurveda to AI — we make everything. And much of it is world-class. But what we lack is a unifying identity. A visual emblem that says with pride and confidence: This is Made in India.

Learning from the World

Think about it — “Made in Japan” evokes precision. “Made in Germany” signals engineering excellence. “Made in Italy” speaks of style and luxury. These aren’t just labels. They’re powerful identities built over decades — supported by strong symbols, standards, and stories.

Nations like Japan and South Korea use national logos on every product — building buyer trust, pride, and recall. That consistency fuels their global reputation.

India: A Giant Ready to Rise

Our entrepreneurs, artisans, and engineers are second to none. But right now, a handwoven saree, an electric scooter, a herbal oil, and a software innovation go to market with no common thread tying them to the Indian story.

That’s a missed opportunity — and one I believe we must fix.

The Seed of the Idea

In 2020, during the Covid lockdown, I catalyzed a regulation that made it mandatory for online shopping platforms to display the country of origin for every product. It empowered crores of Indian consumers to make conscious, patriotic buying choices while buying online. 

That experience sparked a deeper insight: how do we bring the same clarity to offline retail? How do we make the Country of Origin visible, even when there’s no text to read?

That’s when the idea of One Nation, One Symbol took root in my heart — a single, strong mark that transcends language, literacy, and geography. A symbol that says: This is proudly Indian. You can trust this.

Why We Need a Visual Symbol

India is not just multilingual — it is profoundly diverse in literacy levels and visual exposure. We have over 120 major languages. Millions who can’t read. Senior citizens, rural buyers, and even visually challenged citizens who deserve clarity and agency.

A written label saying “Made in India” won’t work for everyone. But a well-designed visual symbol will.

A symbol is democratic. It speaks without words. It empowers the marginalized. It becomes a shortcut to trust — whether you’re in a tribal village in Odisha, a kirana store in Bihar, or an upscale store in Mumbai.

It Strengthens Rural and Semi-Urban India

India’s next growth story lies in the heartland. A Made in India symbol will thrive on hoardings, haats, WhatsApp ads, and local packaging. It’ll find its way into the visual memory of the masses, making it easier for Bharat to prefer and support Indian-made products.

Fast, Familiar, Trusted

In real-world buying moments — at a railway station or a corner shop — people make quick choices. A familiar symbol on a pack of soap or a box of sweets lets them decide in a flash: This supports Indian jobs. I choose this.

One Symbol. Many Wins.

• Global Recognition: A striking, consistent symbol will help international buyers identify Indian products at a glance — just like the Apple logo or the Swiss cross.
• Local Confidence: When Indians see the symbol, they’ll know their purchase supports innovation, jobs, and sustainability at home.
• Boost for MSMEs and Artisans: Small businesses often lack big budgets. This symbol becomes their silent ambassador — adding credibility without cost.
• Push for Quality: Using the symbol can be linked to quality standards — nudging manufacturers to raise their game.
• Build a Shared Identity: From students to homemakers, every Indian seeing and using products with the same mark will feel part of a bigger national journey.

The Way Forward

For this idea to succeed, we need a thoughtfully crafted symbol — rooted in Indian heritage, but modern and global in its appeal. We must back it with:

• Design excellence
• Clear eligibility and standards
• Public-private collaboration
• A powerful national communication campaign

And we must embed it across:

• Schoolbooks and classrooms
• Retail packaging and export materials
• Government portals and embassy showcases
• Ecommerce platforms and haats
• Cinema, influencers, pop culture, and ads

Let this symbol become India’s signature — not just a stamp.

A Simple Idea. A Giant Leap.

One Nation, One Symbol is more than branding. It is about identity, trust, and national unity. It’s about telling the world — and ourselves — that we are a country of makers, creators, and contributors.

In a nation of many languages, a visual symbol becomes our shared voice.

I believe this is the next big leap India must take. And I’m committed to making it happen.

Let us come together — citizens, creators, businesses, and policymakers — to give India what it truly deserves:

A single symbol. A shared pride. One Nation. One Symbol. For Made in India.           

Savitha Rao: Founder - India Positive Citizen
www.indiapositivecitizen.com