Hi Anil the debate about India being a caged tiger to a sauntering elephant will always be there ! In my opinion we have more internal forces to fight than the external.Unless we as Citizens earnestly accept our responsibilities - no significant progress of this magnitude can happen.
A very interesting article Anil, with some points of critical importance. The changeover from a low income population to an aspirational society, is evident from the profile of the current achievers, in various fields. It is no longer rich, privileged or upper middle class; but the bulk coming from lower income groups. Stories of individuals from very ordinary backgrounds, who have made a mark through sheer hard work, courage, determination and perseverance. This aspirational society may well bypass the decades old selection of leaders, based on religion and caste; mindsets that have been instrumental in a poor quality and corrupt regime from top to bottom. The increasing participation of women in various economic activities and induction into leadership positions is an encouraging signal for real time progress of the country. There is no reason why India will not be a developed nation with a per capita income matching the top nations of the world. The occasion of Independence Day is a time when the leaders of the nation need to motivate, inspire and encourage the people and the PM has appealed to the public to take a vow, reflecting the sincerity of his purpose, as everything starts with a vow. Congratulations on writing an excellent article, which must have been difficult.
First of all I must appreciate your choice of the cover Photograph.Our Tiranga made with traditional spices!! It is due to the spices that Portugese first came to India and our history changed with its trade .India is the " King of Spices" as it contributes 75% of world spices exports.
Secondly, I personally feel India's per capita income cannot double in 6 years as estimated by the PM . India will be the most populous country by 2023, already our population has reached around 1.4 billion!!
With just 2% of world area and the burden of around 18% of world population , it is a fae fetched dream.
You have so well explained the 5 resolves of the PM , the Amritkaal of next 25 years is possible only if we give maximum importance to modernization, change in social attitudes, no tolerance to corruption and misuse of public office, strict enforcement of law and order and the spirit of Nationalism. I fully agree with you that best is yet to come !!
Glad the picture resonated with you. Your deep thoughts on it only reaffirm the choice. Agree the path ahead is daunting, especially when we are overwhelmed by the present. Frankly India has no choice. If the aspirations need to be addressed then India has to grow per capita income.
This may just be me, so feel free to ignore. I found this column woefully long on copy/pasting what the PM says, and woefully short on real analysis or insight. I expected better. I would have loved to get critical insight on:
1. What is the path to this vision? Why do we believe this is different, given that the PM has made several such pronouncements earlier to the effect that we would be a developed country by 2022
2. I am part of the generation that expects better services from the government. But I don’t equate that to running an efficient company. What is the difference between celebrating 75 years as a republic with certain rights enshrined in the constitution vs running an efficient services distribution in another 25 years. That would be a sad waste of a democracy
3. The chart from SBI says so little, it’s at best clickbait
I suppose the best writings on this are ‘yet to come’, as you say the PM says. I maintain high hopes for both.
Would really love to see you delve deeper into a series "exploring this potential for unprecedented transformation". The reason you should delve into this is that India is today at an inflection and transformative point where every aspect being Indian (culture, entrepreneurship, politics, etc, etc, etc) is changing, the cumulative effect will be that of India @2047.
A series by you on this would be a pleasure to read and hopefully it could lead to something even more substantial like a book. Currently when you look at articles or even chapters of a book which delves into future prediction. Most of them end up being shallow with few jargons and generally expected knowledge thrown in.
(For eg: An article on energy will just mention, per capita energy consumption growth, need for green energy and Hydrogen thrown in). It typically doesn't capture the transformative change that would undertake in energy consumption or how energy itself will be viewed).
Hence I would love to read you to delve deeper into this
Thank you for your inputs and interest in the series. Do feel free to share any ideas and thoughts. It is indeed tough to forecast a future so bright when we are still struggling to resolve basic developing country problems. Of course we have the spectacular success with UPI, CoWin which suggest that nothing is impossible.
Modi ji probably missed out on the most important vision - Population . We cannot become so called developed nation if the rupee gets divided into so many parts. Just too many of us. Some serious measures need to be taken immediately.
Hi Anil the debate about India being a caged tiger to a sauntering elephant will always be there ! In my opinion we have more internal forces to fight than the external.Unless we as Citizens earnestly accept our responsibilities - no significant progress of this magnitude can happen.
Well said Atul. In a democracy, citizens are equally accountable. I believe the PM said in as many words when he linked aspirations with change.
Look forward to your continued participation.
Best
Anil
A very interesting article Anil, with some points of critical importance. The changeover from a low income population to an aspirational society, is evident from the profile of the current achievers, in various fields. It is no longer rich, privileged or upper middle class; but the bulk coming from lower income groups. Stories of individuals from very ordinary backgrounds, who have made a mark through sheer hard work, courage, determination and perseverance. This aspirational society may well bypass the decades old selection of leaders, based on religion and caste; mindsets that have been instrumental in a poor quality and corrupt regime from top to bottom. The increasing participation of women in various economic activities and induction into leadership positions is an encouraging signal for real time progress of the country. There is no reason why India will not be a developed nation with a per capita income matching the top nations of the world. The occasion of Independence Day is a time when the leaders of the nation need to motivate, inspire and encourage the people and the PM has appealed to the public to take a vow, reflecting the sincerity of his purpose, as everything starts with a vow. Congratulations on writing an excellent article, which must have been difficult.
Dear Anil,
First of all I must appreciate your choice of the cover Photograph.Our Tiranga made with traditional spices!! It is due to the spices that Portugese first came to India and our history changed with its trade .India is the " King of Spices" as it contributes 75% of world spices exports.
Secondly, I personally feel India's per capita income cannot double in 6 years as estimated by the PM . India will be the most populous country by 2023, already our population has reached around 1.4 billion!!
With just 2% of world area and the burden of around 18% of world population , it is a fae fetched dream.
You have so well explained the 5 resolves of the PM , the Amritkaal of next 25 years is possible only if we give maximum importance to modernization, change in social attitudes, no tolerance to corruption and misuse of public office, strict enforcement of law and order and the spirit of Nationalism. I fully agree with you that best is yet to come !!
Dear Vandana,
Glad the picture resonated with you. Your deep thoughts on it only reaffirm the choice. Agree the path ahead is daunting, especially when we are overwhelmed by the present. Frankly India has no choice. If the aspirations need to be addressed then India has to grow per capita income.
Best
Anil
This may just be me, so feel free to ignore. I found this column woefully long on copy/pasting what the PM says, and woefully short on real analysis or insight. I expected better. I would have loved to get critical insight on:
1. What is the path to this vision? Why do we believe this is different, given that the PM has made several such pronouncements earlier to the effect that we would be a developed country by 2022
2. I am part of the generation that expects better services from the government. But I don’t equate that to running an efficient company. What is the difference between celebrating 75 years as a republic with certain rights enshrined in the constitution vs running an efficient services distribution in another 25 years. That would be a sad waste of a democracy
3. The chart from SBI says so little, it’s at best clickbait
I suppose the best writings on this are ‘yet to come’, as you say the PM says. I maintain high hopes for both.
Dear Kartik,
Thank you for your candid views. Point taken.
It turned out long as I was looking to translate the Hindi audio for the benefit of more readers.
The SBI study needs a deeper dive. Will try to reach out to Soumya who authored the study.
Looking forward to your continued inputs
Best
Anil
Hi Anil
Would really love to see you delve deeper into a series "exploring this potential for unprecedented transformation". The reason you should delve into this is that India is today at an inflection and transformative point where every aspect being Indian (culture, entrepreneurship, politics, etc, etc, etc) is changing, the cumulative effect will be that of India @2047.
A series by you on this would be a pleasure to read and hopefully it could lead to something even more substantial like a book. Currently when you look at articles or even chapters of a book which delves into future prediction. Most of them end up being shallow with few jargons and generally expected knowledge thrown in.
(For eg: An article on energy will just mention, per capita energy consumption growth, need for green energy and Hydrogen thrown in). It typically doesn't capture the transformative change that would undertake in energy consumption or how energy itself will be viewed).
Hence I would love to read you to delve deeper into this
Dear Lakshmisha,
Thank you for your inputs and interest in the series. Do feel free to share any ideas and thoughts. It is indeed tough to forecast a future so bright when we are still struggling to resolve basic developing country problems. Of course we have the spectacular success with UPI, CoWin which suggest that nothing is impossible.
Look forward to your continued inputs.
Best
Anil
Dear Gautam,
Thank you. Endorse your confidence on India's future: its best is yet to come. Recent economic history is a source of inspiration.
You are spot on. The makeover of India is addressing gender, class and linguistic divide.
Look forward to your continued inputs and support. Much appreciated.
Best
Anil
Modi ji probably missed out on the most important vision - Population . We cannot become so called developed nation if the rupee gets divided into so many parts. Just too many of us. Some serious measures need to be taken immediately.
Hi Yugainder,
Thank you for your thoughts. Actually it is not so simple. In fact, your young demography is an asset.
The debate is far more nuanced.
Best
Anil