Answer

Swami Vivekananda’s quote, “Learn everything that is good from others, but bring it in, and in your own way absorb it, do not become others,” advocates for embracing valuable knowledge while maintaining one’s individuality. This idea is central to ethical living, ensuring that while we learn from diverse cultures and practices, we adapt those lessons to align with our personal beliefs and identity.

Significance of Adapting and Applying Lessons to Suit Your Own Personality and Beliefs:

• Retaining Individuality: Adapting lessons allows individuals to grow while maintaining their personal values, avoiding the risk of losing one’s identity.
  For example: India’s Make in India initiative encourages adopting global manufacturing techniques while promoting local industries.
• Fostering Creativity and Innovation: When lessons are adapted rather than copied, they inspire creative solutions tailored to one’s unique context.
  For example: The Digital India programme integrates global technology models but is customised to fit India’s needs, such as Aadhaar-linked services.
• Cultural Relevance: Adapting ideas ensures they resonate within a specific cultural framework, enhancing their acceptance and effectiveness.
  For example: India’s National Education Policy (2020) incorporates global best practices while emphasising Indian languages and values.
• Building Confidence: Personalising lessons reinforces self-reliance, as individuals learn to trust their judgement rather than blindly imitating others.
  For example: Start-up India draws on global entrepreneurship trends but encourages Indian entrepreneurs to innovate in local needs.
• Avoiding Dependence: By absorbing lessons in one’s way, one avoids becoming dependent on external systems and creates sustainable, localised solutions.
  For example: India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat seeks to adapt global practices in a way that fosters self-sufficiency.
• Long-term Growth: Tailored lessons provide sustainable solutions, fostering continuous growth rather than short-term gains from imitating others.
  For example: India’s Ayushman Bharat was inspired by global health insurance models while focusing on the unique challenges of India’s healthcare system.

Relevance of the Quote in the Present Context:

• Selective Integration of Global Practices: Adapting global models ensures that innovations suit local realities, fostering sustainable development without compromising identity.
• Adaptive Educational Models: The integration of global teaching techniques is valuable, but these must align with local contexts for long-term success.
• Incorporation of Global Legal Frameworks: Countries must adopt international laws while tailoring them to fit their legal and cultural systems.
  For example: India’s Data Protection Bill draws from the EU GDPR framework but adapts to suit national security concerns.
• Technological Adaptation and Innovation: Adapting global technologies fosters innovation suited to local markets and needs, empowering indigenous industries.
  For example: India’s UPI system integrates global fintech principles but is uniquely customised to meet the demands of India’s economy.
• Environmental Strategy Customization: Adapting global environmental strategies to national contexts ensures relevance in addressing unique ecological challenges.
  For example: India’s NAPCC (National Action Plan on Climate Change) is designed in alignment with UNFCCC goals but also focuses on India’s specific vulnerabilities.
• Promotion of Local Arts and Crafts on Global Platforms: Local traditions can thrive globally when presented through customised narratives that retain authenticity.
  For example: The India Handloom Brand promotes local crafts globally while emphasising cultural uniqueness.

Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy underscores the need to absorb the best from others while retaining one’s distinct identity. In today’s globalised world, this principle is essential for personal and national development. By selectively integrating global lessons and tailoring them to fit local contexts, individuals and nations can ensure sustainable growth, ethical progress, and long-term success.

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