India, the world’s largest democracy, marked 78 years of independence today, August 15, 2024. As the tricolour flutters with pride, it serves as a reminder of the nation’s remarkable journey since 1947, when it broke free from colonial shackles. Over the past seven decades, India has evolved from a newly independent nation with deep-rooted challenges to an emerging global power. As the nation reflects on its achievements, the road to 2047—the centenary of independence—offers a vision for future possibilities.
India’s economic journey has been one of the most significant transformations. In 1947, the Indian economy was predominantly agrarian, with agriculture contributing nearly 50% of the GDP. Poverty was rampant, and industrialization was in its infancy. However, through a series of planned economic reforms, India steadily moved towards self-sufficiency.
The Green Revolution in the 1960s by later Indira Gandhi has transformed agriculture, making India self-reliant in food production. The industrial policy reforms of 1991 (with late PV Narasimha Rao as non-Nehru-Gandhi family member of grand-old Congress party) were a turning point, propelling India towards liberalization, privatization, and globalization. This opened the economy to foreign investments, fostering the growth of sectors like information technology, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.
Today, India is the world’s fifth-largest economy, with a GDP of over $3.7 trillion, thanks to the efforts of the present Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who take over the reins in 2014. The IT sector, often referred to as the backbone of India’s economy, contributes significantly to global technology solutions. Cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad have emerged as global tech hubs, hosting some of the world’s leading companies.
The progress in social sectors like education, healthcare, and women empowerment has been instrumental in India’s journey. The literacy rate, which was a mere 12% in 1947, has soared to over 77% in 2024. The Right to Education Act (2009) and the National Education Policy (2020) have laid the groundwork for universal access to quality education, aiming to prepare India’s youth for global challenges.
Healthcare has also seen substantial improvements. Initiatives like the National Health Mission and the recent Ayushman Bharat scheme of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have expanded healthcare access to millions, reducing mortality rates and increasing life expectancy. India’s pharmaceutical industry, known as the “pharmacy of the world,” played a pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic, supplying vaccines globally to as many as 84 countries, including the US.
Women, who were once marginalized, have made significant strides. From being leaders in politics, such as Indira Gandhi, to excelling in science, sports, and business, Indian women have broken barriers. Government schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and laws against domestic violence have further empowered women.
India’s democratic fabric has remained intact despite numerous challenges. The country has held 17 general elections since independence, showcasing the robustness of its electoral system. The peaceful transition of power and the upholding of democratic values have been hallmarks of India’s political stability.
India’s foreign policy has evolved from non-alignment during the Cold War to strategic partnerships with global powers. As a founding member of organizations like the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the United Nations, India has played a crucial role in global diplomacy. Its recent presidency of the G20 Summit in 2023 underscored its growing influence on the world stage.
India’s scientific achievements have been nothing short of remarkable. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has led the charge with groundbreaking missions like Chandrayaan, Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), and the recent Chandrayaan-3 mission to the moon. India’s nuclear program, which began in the 1960s, has made the nation a recognized nuclear power.
The digital revolution has been a key driver of India’s technological progress. The Digital India initiative, launched in 2015, has transformed governance, making services more accessible to citizens. India now boasts the world’s second-largest internet user base, with over 850 million users.
The Road Ahead: Vision 2047: As India looks towards 2047, the centenary of its independence, it stands at a critical juncture. The nation must address existing challenges while setting ambitious goals to achieve its vision of becoming a developed nation. The present dispensation at the Centre is facing internal and external challenges as those rich and super powers, who are hostile (read envy) to India’s phenomenal growth during the last decade, are bent upon to destabilization the nation. This has become a major challenge not only to the ruling BJP-led NDA government but also to the 140 crore Indians.
By 2047, India indeed aims to become a $10 trillion economy, lifting millions out of poverty and achieving equitable growth. To realize this, India needs to focus on infrastructure development, manufacturing, and innovation. The Make in India initiative, aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing, needs to be complemented by investments in technology and R&D.
Agriculture, which still employs a significant portion of the population, must be modernized. Climate-resilient farming, better access to markets, and sustainable practices will be key to ensuring food security and farmer prosperity.
Education and healthcare will be the pillars of India’s social development in the coming decades. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions a holistic, multidisciplinary education system that equips students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By 2047, India should aim for a 100% literacy rate and a global presence in higher education.
Healthcare access must be universal, with a focus on preventive care and the integration of traditional medicine with modern practices. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for a robust healthcare system, and by 2047, India should lead in global health innovation.
Empowering women and marginalized communities will be crucial for inclusive growth. Gender parity in education, employment, and political representation should be non-negotiable. Strengthening laws against discrimination and promoting equal opportunities will ensure that every citizen contributes to and benefits from India’s growth.
As India progresses economically, it must also lead in environmental sustainability. The effects of climate change are already evident, and India must take proactive measures to mitigate its impact. By 2047, India should aim to be a global leader in renewable energy, reducing its carbon footprint through solar, wind, and other green technologies.
The Swachh Bharat Mission, which has significantly improved sanitation, should evolve into a broader mission for sustainable living. Waste management, water conservation, and reforestation will be critical areas of focus.
Global Leadership: India’s global influence is set to grow as it continues to engage with the world on critical issues like climate change, terrorism, and economic stability. By 2047, India should aim to be a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, reflecting its role as a key player in global affairs.
Strengthening strategic partnerships with countries like the United States, Japan, and Australia, while maintaining close ties with neighbors, will be crucial for India’s geopolitical strategy. India’s soft power—its culture, diaspora, and democratic values—will continue to be a vital asset in its global engagement.
India’s journey from a nascent nation in 1947 to a global player in 2024 is a testament to its resilience and potential. As the country moves towards its centenary, it must build on its achievements while addressing the challenges that lie ahead. The vision for 2047 is not just about economic prosperity but about creating a just, equitable, and sustainable society.
The next 23 years will be crucial in shaping India’s destiny. With the right policies, leadership, and the collective will of its people, India can realize its dream of becoming a developed nation by 2047—a beacon of hope, progress, and peace in the world.
