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Timir Baran Chatterjee
Mentor: International Trade Committee
BENGAL CHAMBER
As we stand on the eve of our 77th Independence Day, it is a moment of reflection and anticipation. Rabindranath Tagore’s words, “Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high; where knowledge is free…” resonate with us as a reminder of the dreams our forefathers envisioned for India. Seventy-seven years after independence, our journey has been marked by significant
achievements, yet the road ahead requires renewed vigor, especially in the realms of health and education, to realize the vision of a Vikshit Bharat—an India that is truly developed. Let us review how India moved in the last 77 years.
From being an agrarian economy in 1947, India has evolved into one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. The Green Revolution in the 1960s, the liberalization policies of 1991, discarding of licence raj, and the rise of the IT sector have been key drivers of this transformation. Today, India is the fifth-largest economy in the world, with a robust industrial base and a burgeoning services sector.
India’s democracy, the world’s largest, has withstood numerous challenges—from the Emergency in the 1970s to regional and communal tensions. The electoral process has been a beacon of hope, demonstrating the resilience of our democratic institutions.
India’s achievements in space exploration, nuclear technology, and information technology are remarkable. The launch of Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions, along with our stronghold in the global IT industry, have put India on the world map as a leader in science and technology.
Legislative reforms like the Right to Education, the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and the Digital India initiative have been significant in driving inclusivity and transparency. The push towards a more inclusive society through policies like reservations and the recognition of LGBTQ+ rights marks progress toward social justice.
Despite progress in reducing mortality rates and eradicating diseases like polio, India’s healthcare system remains underfunded and overburdened. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of our healthcare infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for investment in public health.
While India has made strides in increasing literacy rates, the quality of education remains uneven. The gap between urban and rural education, the lack of focus on skill development, and the underutilization of technology in education are areas that need immediate attention. It is an accepted principle that a Country cant be transformed into a developed country without a strong and effective education system in force and Right to education should be one of the most Fundamental Rights of the people.
Economic growth has not translated into equitable wealth distribution. Large sections of the population still live below the poverty line, and the rural-urban divide continues to widen, posing a challenge to inclusive growth.
Rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to environmental degradation. Issues like air pollution, water scarcity, and loss of biodiversity threaten the sustainability of our growth trajectory.
Implementing UHC through increased public expenditure on healthcare (targeting at least 2.5% of GDP) will ensure that quality healthcare is accessible to all citizens.
Investing in primary healthcare centers, especially in rural areas, and improving the doctor-to-patient ratio will be crucial. Expanding digital health services can bridge the gap between remote areas and healthcare facilities.
Promoting awareness and early intervention for lifestyle diseases, along with vaccination drives, can reduce the healthcare burden.
Introducing curriculum reforms that emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills will prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century. Vocational training and skill development should be integrated into the education system from an early stage. In the current year’s Budget of 2024-25, the Government has earmarked creation of 20 Lacs Internship in about 500 Big Corporates which is certainly a very good step . The old Apprenticeship Act should be made functional so that more and more people can get the opportunity to train themselves to be a Trained Labour force. We have a huge demographic advantage as to 65% of our total population is below the age of 35 years; however, such demographic advantages are to be deployed in the right spirit by way of providing right education, health care support and proper training/skill development.
Expanding access to digital education platforms, especially in rural areas, can democratize learning and bridge the urban-rural divide. Government initiatives should focus on providing affordable internet and digital devices to every student.
Continuous professional development for teachers, with a focus on modern pedagogical techniques and technology integration, will enhance the quality of education.
Strengthening rural infrastructure, promoting agricultural innovations, and supporting small-scale industries can drive rural development and reduce the rural-urban divide.
Encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through financial incentives and ease of doing business will create jobs and foster economic inclusivity.
Expanding social security nets to protect the most vulnerable sections of society, including the elderly, women, and informal sector workers, will ensure that growth benefits all.
Accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions.
Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and water conservation techniques can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and ensure food security.
Implementing sustainable urban planning and development practices will address issues like air pollution, waste management, and the creation of green spaces.
Sri Aurobindo, whose birth anniversary we also celebrate on August 15th, once said, “India is the meeting place of the religions and among these religions Hinduism alone is by itself a vast and complex thing, not so much a religion as a great diversified and yet subtly unified mass of spiritual thought, realization and aspiration.” As we reflect on this profound statement, let us envision a future where India, with its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, emerges as a beacon of progress, inclusivity, and sustainability.
The journey to a Vikshit Bharat requires collective effort and unwavering commitment. As we celebrate our independence, let us resolve to build an India where the mind is truly without fear, the head is held high, and the dreams of our forefathers are realized in every corner of the nation.
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