India at 78: Charting a New Path for a Viksit Bharat

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.

By Pooja Paswan
August 19, 2024

As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, the nation is experiencing a profound transformation, laying the groundwork for a future of growth, innovation and global leadership. With a strong emphasis on improving urban living standards, reviving ancient educational values, nurturing industrial and technological self-reliance and advancing environmental sustainability, India is setting ambitious goals to build a more developed and inclusive society. These initiatives are designed to propel India toward becoming a global powerhouse by the centennial of its independence in 2047.

Enhancing Quality of Life: The Ease of Living Mission

India’s urban population is rapidly expanding, and with it comes the urgent need to improve infrastructure and services to ensure the well-being of its citizens. The Ease of Living mission aims to systematically upgrade urban centers, focusing on better governance, smart planning and equitable access to essential resources. The goal is to make Indian cities not only livable but globally competitive, reflecting modernity while preserving cultural heritage. By prioritizing sustainability, digital innovation and smart cities, the government is setting the stage for a more connected and efficient urban future.

Reviving Nalanda: India’s Educational Renaissance

India’s educational ambitions are deeply rooted in its history, symbolized by the revival of Nalanda University in 2024. This world-class institution aims to recapture the spirit of the ancient Nalanda, a global beacon of knowledge during the first millennium. Today, the renewed Nalanda stands as a testament to India’s commitment to becoming a global hub for higher education and research. The government is focused on fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity, global learning and advanced research, positioning India as a destination for scholars and students worldwide.

Skill India: Empowering the Workforce of Tomorrow

India’s youth remains one of its greatest strengths, and the Skill India initiative seeks to harness this potential by providing training and development opportunities across various sectors. By 2024, the government has already laid out a plan to position India as the global skill capital, focusing on equipping the workforce with skills that meet the demands of a rapidly changing global economy. This initiative is particularly important as India aims to transition into a hub for both manufacturing and services, bolstered by a young, dynamic and skilled workforce.

Manufacturing for the World: India as an Industrial Hub

India’s industrial landscape is on the cusp of a renaissance, with the government focusing on making the country a global manufacturing hub. Leveraging its vast natural resources and large pool of skilled workers, India aims to become a production powerhouse. The slogan “Design in India, Design for the World” reflects this ambition, underscoring the importance of creating products that cater to both domestic and international markets. By nurturing indigenous design and innovation, India seeks to compete on the global stage and contribute to global supply chains with products of high quality and international appeal.

Green Growth and Green Jobs: Toward a Sustainable Future

Environmental sustainability is central to India’s growth strategy, with green jobs and the Green Hydrogen Mission leading the charge. The focus on green growth is not only aimed at combating climate change but also at creating new employment opportunities in renewable energy and environmental conservation. The country’s ambitious target of achieving 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030 positions it as a leader in global sustainability efforts. India’s dedication to green hydrogen production and renewable energy also reflects its commitment to achieving long-term environmental and economic stability.

Swasth Bharat: Health at the Heart of Development

Health remains a cornerstone of India’s vision for a developed future. The Swasth Bharat mission prioritizes the health and well-being of the population, recognizing that a healthy society is key to achieving national growth. Initiatives such as the Rashtriya Poshan Abhiyan, aimed at improving nutrition, and the expansion of medical education through the addition of 75,000 new medical seats in the coming years, are steps toward ensuring that India’s healthcare system is equipped to meet the needs of its vast population. This focus on health is integral to the larger goal of achieving a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

A Vision for the Future

As India enters its 78th year of independence, the country is charting a bold course toward a future of innovation, inclusivity and global leadership. These initiatives reflect a profound commitment to improving the quality of life for all citizens, fostering sustainable growth and positioning India as a global leader across multiple sectors. With a clear vision and a renewed sense of purpose, India is poised to achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047—a Viksit Bharat that leads with integrity, creativity and resilience.

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Author: Pooja Paswan is the Chair of the PA Theory Network and Vice Chair of ASPA’s South Asian Section for Public Administration. An alumna of the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, she is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, India. Pooja holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration, specializing in Public Policy. She was the recipient of the ASPA 2019 Founders Fellow and serves as the Book Review Editor for the International Journal of Public Administration (IJPA). Her work spans development administration and public policy. She can be reached at her Academia profile and [email protected]. Twitter @poojapaswan.

 

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