The strength of the Swadeśi movement lies in its supreme idealism. It is an intensely spiritual movement having for its object not simply the development of economic life or the attainment of political freedom but really the emancipation, in every sense of the term, of the Indian manhood and womanhood. - Bipin Chandra Pāl.

Swadeśi in Samskrta translates to "indigenous ownership" or "self reliance". Although the movement began as a response to British imperialism of the subcontinent in 1905, its principles are eternal and inspired by Dharma. Localized production, distribution and consumption are key to sustainable economics and inclusive prosperity. Swadeśi seeks to counter the deterimental effects of modern globalization such as poverty, children and women's exploitation, environmental destruction, and socio-economic domination of indigenous culture at large.