Industry leader and philanthropist Mr. Dinesh Goyal, Director of Goyal Brothers Prakashan, Noida, is widely respected for his significant contributions to the publishing industry and his unwavering support for various political and social causes. In a candid interview with The Week, Mr. Goyal dwells on the vital elements driving the progress of our nation—whether it is the importance of filing income tax returns with integrity, setting new benchmarks in the publishing sector, or championing the noble profession of education.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is undergoing an exciting phase of socio-economic development. What are your thoughts on this remarkable period in our country’s history?
Every Indian should consider him/herself fortunate to witness and be part of the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A staunch advocate of the principle Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family—his relentless hard work, remarkable vision, and incredible accomplishments have gained global recognition. He has been honoured by numerous countries for his deep, selfless commitment to the welfare of humanity.
If he is regarded as a Yashashvi—a successful and virtuous leader—it is because he has gone above and beyond the call of duty, much like an enlightened soul does. Every Indian must broaden their perspective to align with and contribute to his great vision in their personal lives, ultimately working towards a truly Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
We are truly fortunate to live in a time where such a personality leads our country, always putting India first. It is the heartfelt prayer of 140 crore Indians that the world recognises his contributions, celebrates his endeavours, and bestows upon him the highest honours— whether it is the Nobel Prize or other prestigious recognitions. Witnessing Prime Minister Narendra Modi receive such accolades during my lifetime would be a personal joy and a source of immense pride.. If he is honoured, it will be a moment of pride not only for India but for every Indian.
How can an Indian citizen participate in the development of the country?
I strongly encourage my fellow citizens to actively participate in every aspect of society and contribute to the country’s progress. First and foremost, every person must become a taxpayer, regardless of the size of their (income)/contribution. When you pay your taxes, you hold the government accountable, ensuring transparency and responsibility. On the other hand, “freebies” come without any guarantee of quality, and if you are not a taxpayer, you cannot question that quality. For example, while we may accept inexpensive products in the market, we would never settle for something that is free without questioning its worth.
Similarly, every Indian must pledge to file their income tax returns, no matter how small the amount, as a way of contributing to the nation’s growth and empowerment.
Whom do you consider to be in most need of support in our society?
I believe that a healthy person can never truly be considered poor. The individuals who are most in need—and who deserve our deepest empathy—are those who are differently-abled since birth, senior citizens over the age of 75, and widows (who have no resources). As aware and compassionate citizens, it is our duty to care for these vulnerable groups in every way possible.
If we are able to extend our support, it would be a sign of the Almighty’s grace upon us. We must remember that our ability to help the needy is not a favour, but a purpose for which God has blessed us. Offering assistance to those who truly need our aid should be seen not as an act of charity, but as a moral responsibility.
How would you propose strengthening the Indian economy while also instilling pride in our traditional values?
To strengthen our economy, we must take pride in the builders of our national economy— our traders, artisans, small and large businesses, and all those who work tirelessly to ensure a thriving and robust circular economy, optimising the use of our national resources and driving the nation’s growth. My humble request to everyone is never to buy foreign and branded products. Instead, we should focus on creating something that establishes us as the brand.
I believe that every individual has inherent worth that can be nurtured and enhanced to contribute meaningfully to the nation. Regardless of your background or profession, carry yourself with such integrity that you become one of the top names of your industry. Start by elevating your status in your City, then District, followed by State, Region, and ultimately, Nationally.
As someone connected to the education sector, I am heartened to see that the National Education Policy 2020 emphasises community building, local languages, culture, heritage, and a deep-rooted connection to Indian ethos. This holistic approach to education, with its focus on Indianness, will help instil cultural values starting from the grassroot level.
Viksit Bharat is the next milestone that India is moving towards. How do you see this journey being completed successfully?
I believe that the journey towards Viksit Bharat will be successful when every individual— especially the youth and the business community—contributes by paying taxes. This will be a key driver of our nation’s progress. Ensure that you have all the necessary documents, such as your Aadhaar card, PAN card, and other required details. Feel proud to be an income-tax payer!
It is my humble plea to the builders of our nation: refrain from giving out freebies, as they only lead to complacency and diminish our ability and drive to work. We are a capable people, and our potential must be harnessed in the right direction to ensure the Nation’s advancement.
Take, for example, the United States of America, where 96 per cent of the population pays some form of taxes. If 99 per cent of Indians begin to pay taxes, it will send a powerful message to the world. A country where 99 per cent of its citizens pay taxes can never be poor, and no power on Earth can undermine such a nation.
When evaluating a nation’s prosperity, I believe we should look at per capita income. India currently ranks 141st out of 192 countries. However, when we focus on our world ranking in terms of the overall size of our economy, India is a stellar performer, standing as the fourth- largest economy. We are highly advanced in technological capabilities and are a youthful nation with a talented, sharp, and hardworking population.
Indians are among the most accommodating, flexible, and God-fearing people. What we need is to instil greater discipline, commitment, and ethics, while shedding any signs of lethargy. The brilliant minds of India simply need to be directed in the right way to reach their full potential.
As an industry leader, what are the fault lines that you see in the work environment?
Transparency and honesty are of utmost importance in all our dealings and in running any business. First and foremost, we must ensure that our knowledge, experience, and delivery are carried out sincerely and with zealous dedication. What we know is important, but unless we apply our knowledge in the right direction, in the right way, to the right people, and at the right time, it serves no real purpose.
In particular, I believe that the most dishonest people are those who are capable but fail to approach their work with sincerity. On the other hand, a person who may not have all the skills but works hard and genuinely strives to improve is, in my view, truly capable.
When you pass on the baton of leadership to the next generation in your industry, what message would you give them?
Education and health are two sectors that transcend pure business motives; they are more about social commitment. To my colleagues in the publishing fraternity, I would emphasise that educational publishing is not just about commercial profit. Our primary goal should be to ensure that books are accessible to end users at very reasonable prices. We can achieve this by prioritising the affordability of books over profit, reducing the influence of middlemen, and ensuring that our children and youth have access to quality books, regardless of their financial circumstances.
We consider ourselves very fortunate to be part of an industry where, by following ethical practices, we not only earn our livelihood but also contribute to the prosperity of our society. More importantly, we have the opportunity to impact lives, particularly those of our children. Our family takes immense pride in being part of such a noble business, playing a vital role in shaping the future of our nation.
