Context:
- India celebrated its 79th Independence Day with pride as a resilient, confident, and rising nation.
- Despite historical challenges such as US sanctions post-Pokhran (1998) and the Seventh Fleet episode (1971 war with Pakistan), India has emerged stronger.
- Today, it is recognized as one of the fastest-growing economies and a major global player.
India’s Economic Growth:
- GDP growth: From $30 billion (1947) to a projected $4.19 trillion (2025) (IMF estimates).
- Global standing:
- In nominal GDP – 4th largest by 2025.
- In PPP terms – Already 3rd largest ($17.65 trillion).
- Growth under the present government (FY15–FY25):
- Real GDP growth average - 6.5% annually.
- Agriculture GDP growth average - 4% annually.
Socio-Economic Transformation:
- Poverty: Measured at the $3/day (2021 PPP) threshold, it has reduced from 80% (1947) to 5.3% in 2025 (World Bank estimates).
- Literacy: Increased from 18.3% (1951) to 77% (2023).
- Life expectancy: From 32 years (1947) to 72 years (2023).
- Women’s empowerment: Significant strides in education, socio-economic-political participation, and leadership.
Agriculture and Food Security:
- Foodgrain production: Foodgrain production has multiplied sevenfold, from 50 MMT (1947) to 353.9 MMT (2024-25).
- Exports: World’s largest rice exporter (20.2 MMT in FY25). Horticulture, milk, egg production have multiplied many times.
- Self-sufficiency: India is a net exporter of agriculture, unlike the US and China.
- Challenges: Though India has achieved food security, there are still many challenges, for example, nutritional security, especially of children under the age of five, remains pressing.
Technology, Science and Space Achievements:
- Space exploration: From Chandrayaan’s historic landing near the Moon’s South Pole to the trailblazing Mars mission (Mangalyaan), India has staked its place at the frontiers of space exploration.
- Digital revolution: The meteoric rise of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), processing over 10 billion transactions each month and inspiring fintech innovations worldwide, reflects a digital revolution.
- Global leadership: Indian-origin CEOs (such as Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, Indra Nooyi) lead global corporations (Google, Microsoft, PepsiCo).
- Slogans of progress:
- “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” (Shastri).
- “Jai Vigyan” (Vajpayee).
- “Jai Anusandhan” (Modi).
Challenges Ahead:
- Subsidies:
- Shield vulnerable populations, but plagued by large inefficiencies:
- Together, these account for nearly Rs 3.71 lakh crore in the 2025–26 Union Budget — Rs 2.03 lakh crore for food and Rs 1.67 lakh crore for fertilisers.
- Studies suggest that at least 20 to 25% of these subsidies fail to reach intended beneficiaries.
- Need for reforms: Rationalise subsidies, focus on agri-R&D, innovation, and value chains.
- Environmental concerns: Protect soil, water, and air quality to sustain growth.
- Nutritional security: Address child malnutrition through women’s education, maternal health, sanitation.
India in the Global Context:
- Comparisons:
- China’s per capita income in 2025 is $13,690 (PPP $28,980), while India is at $2,880 (PPP $12,130).
- However, for India, democracy remains its compass/ strength, setting it apart from its neighbours.
- Global relevance: India has lessons for many countries in Asia and Africa, and in many high-tech sectors, it competes with the best.
Vision for Viksit Bharat @ 2047:
- Core pillars:
- Accelerating inclusive growth.
- Cutting bureaucratic hurdles.
- Strengthening scientific culture.
- Sustainable development with environmental safeguards.
- Aim: To establish India as a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by its centenary of independence (2047).
Conclusion:
- By 2047, India’s centenary of independence will mark not only the achievement of Viksit Bharat, but also its emergence as a global leader in technology, agriculture, and inclusive governance.
- With democracy as its guiding compass and sustainability at its core, India is poised to script a model of development that inspires the world.
