Since independence, India’s progress has been exceptional and notable in many ways. Various stalwarts in their own capacity have strived for the progress and development of our nation. India has witnessed increasing economic growth, improved literacy rate and substantial improvement in various sectors. The nation is seen amongst the fastest growing economies in the world over the last couple of years. However, India as a nation has to still move forward on the path of progress with greater zest to take its rightful place in the world economy. Our country has been richly blessed with natural and human resources. With the abundance of talent, if we move ahead in the right direction with appropriate strategies, the future of India is very bright, promising and shinning.
As we prepare for our 66th Republic Day on 26th January 2015, I would like to recall our former President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam who in his book, “India 2020” has said, “A developed India by 2020, or even earlier, is not a dream. It need not be a mere vision in the minds of many Indians. It is a mission we can all take up – and succeed.” As a true visionary, he gave a vision for the new millennium with a plan to develop India into a strong nation. With a comprehensive view, he highlighted five core areas almost a decade ago. These areas were agriculture and food processing, Infrastructure, education and healthcare, Information and Communication Technology and critical technologies and strategic industries. Indeed, today India needs visionaries with big ideas in all spheres and at all levels.
The republic of India has seen considerable exposure and has the potential to be the superpower in near future. Our country has seen its share of conflict, struggle and setbacks too. Although India still faces many challenges, it is now poised to reach a higher position on the global platform. Over the years, our country has taken tremendous strides to fix various issues and has remained steadfast in maintaining the world’s largest diverse democracy which is historically unprecedented. Today, the new government has a tremendous responsibility upon its shoulders to drive the nation towards advancement through a holistic approach in strategic planning and implementation of various polices. As one nation, we have to think big for India with Big and Innovative Ideas in every sector and be consistent in execution and implementation of the same.
The service sector has been largely contributing to the Indian economic progress. It accounts for around 60 per cent of India’s gross domestic product (GDP) and has grown considerably during the last few years. It does indicate progress; however we need to further focus on education, healthcare, infrastructure building, investment in human resource capital and so forth with greater emphasis on manufacturing, industry and agricultural development. Appropriate usage of natural resources will accelerate growth and development.
The author is the Chairman of Ryan International Group of Institutions.
(This is a first part of the article and the remaining part will continue on 26th January)
Dr. A. F. Pinto
