India to be #1 by 2047!! How is it possible?

India to be #1 by 2047!!

KAKALI DAS

Home minister Amit Shah said few months ago that PM Modi has set a target to make India #1 in the world by 2047, on top of the world celebrating 100 years of independence. Some WhatsApp graduates might say that our freedom is on lease or that we got our independence in 2014.

But, we consider it a good target to achieve and it is possible. Some “anti-national” people will say this 2047 is another Jumla! ahm… Earlier the target was to be the superpower by 2020, a vision of the former President Abdul Kalam.

But did it happen?

No.

Our next immediate target is being the $5 trillion economy by 2024. That goal too seems unreachable by now. IMF says that India will be a $5 trillion economy only by 2029. On the other hand, RBI says that it may take up to 12 years to overcome the Covid-19 losses in the country. Is it possible to be number ONE by 2047? You may doubt it, but it is doable if we can learn from our history. Let me explain.

By following three mantras, we can be number one, even before 2047. This year on 15^th august, the government will present Vision India at 2047 document, to make India #1 – with excellent rural services, elegant infrastructure, defence, technology and rapid industrial growth, increased savings of people and fulfilment of their energy needs.

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These steps are good. But, firstly, people in govt. have to open their eyes, assess the situation and accept reality. So, it is crucial to acknowledge truth, so that the problems of people can be understood. It’d take a lot to work to be #1. Today, the US considered to be among the top countries has per capita income (avg. income) 30 times as ours. Today, even per capita income of Bangladesh is slightly ahead of ours.

It is a bitter truth. Also, division of religious lines may grab vote and power, but it is harmful to our economic prosperity. On religious freedom ground, we are country of particular concern as per U.S. commission. We are among the likes of – Afghanistan, Burma, China, Iran, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia etc.

The right to ask questions or to hold accountable our politicians is diminishing. Press Freedom rank is now 150^th, as we fell 8 places down. On Global Hunger Index, we are at 101 out of 116 countries, below Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Democracy Indices also show similar pattern. Now, we are a “partially free country” in Freedom House Report.

In Gender Gap Index, our position is 140 among 156 countries. Only 9% working women, either employed or looking for job. And, as per World Inequality Report 2022, India is among the most unequal countries in the world. Top 10% and top 1% in India hold 57% and 22% of the total national income respectively. There are other areas that need more attention.

So, it is only possible when we can overcome anger and ego. It can do nobody any good. To accept shortcomings is a good trait. But insecurity doesn’t let us. Why are we so insecure? why don’t we ask questions?

“Today, even per capita income of Bangladesh is slightly ahead of ours. It is a bitter truth. Also, division of religious lines may grab vote and power, but it is harmful to our economic prosperity. On religious freedom ground, we are country of particular concern as per U.S. commission. We are among the likes of – Afghanistan, Burma, China, Iran, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia etc.”

Adi Shankaracharya said, “To an insecure person a rope may seem like a snake.” To be #1, let us escape this delusion; from a hall of mirrors, our leaders and our people must run, break the web of deception, of illusion, and accept our mistakes, which the government hasn’t, even if it’s of demonetisation, lockdown, GST implementation, sinking economy etc. What have we learned from these disasters?

And, in what should the country be #1? To showcase it outside, or for prosperity inside, for what? Opportunity to save and basic needs are the primary necessities. Meaning, richness, not just for 1% of the entire population, but development for everyone. Is it good for wealth to accumulate in merely a few hands?

So, service should be the only motive of our leaders. And whose service? – of the ordinary people, over political party or wealthy businessmen, as in, giving jobs, using demographic dividend for good, by accepting that China has intruded, and to make our defence so strong that China has to think twice before intruding in the country, noting that Make in India did not live upto numerous advertisements and speeches. Tanked miserably!

Why is skilled labour leaving the country? Our youth needs to upskill, and who is giving them that platform?

On top of this, who will save us from this sky high inflation? And finally, not diverting from real issues, we must understand that our development is in danger. Politicians will try to distract us but we also need to be awake. Pointing out flaws is a risky job. In older times, court jester did this. Today, court jester will have to think twice before doing so. Sad!

Seriously, the government wants to be number one by 2047, but one thing to remember, the duty of Raj Dharma, ensuring well-being of people. Akshaya Tritiya went by and Diwali coming in months, what do we hope for? What is Govt. doing for our economic prosperity? Not for the select few others, but for the common mass.

Note – This small article is written as a reminder to stay true to the path of development.

[ Headline Image: economictimes.indiatimes.com]

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