Towards Viksit Bharat

By Arvind Dewangan

Introduction 

India, the world’s largest democracy and one of the fastest-growing economies, stands today at a critical juncture in its journey. The dream of a “Viksit Bharat” or “Developed India” is not merely a slogan but the collective vision of 1.4 billion citizens who aspire to see their nation rise as a global leader by the centenary of its independence in 2047. A developed India is envisioned as a country that is economically strong, socially equitable, technologically advanced, environmentally sustainable, and culturally vibrant.

While the past decades have witnessed remarkable progress in various sectors—ranging from space exploration and digital technology to education and healthcare—the challenges of poverty, unemployment, inequality, and environmental degradation still persist. The journey towards a “Viksit Bharat” requires not just policies and programs but also the active participation of citizens, innovation, and global partnerships.

Defining Viksit Bharat

A developed nation ensures a high standard of living for its citizens, with universal access to education, healthcare, sanitation, and housing. Its economy is strong, offering sustainable growth and employment, while technology drives industries and governance. It remains self-reliant in energy, defense, and food security, and upholds social harmony, gender equality, and inclusivity. For India, Viksit Bharat means blending cultural heritage with modernity and contributing to global peace, trade, and knowledge. 

Current Achievements of India 

1. Economic Growth

India has become the fifth-largest economy in the world, with a GDP growth rate that consistently outpaces most developed nations. Initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat are aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing dependency on imports.

2. Technological Advancements

India is a leader in Information Technology, space research, and digital governance. The success of Digital India has connected millions through internet access and digital payments. The Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions have put India on the global space map.

3. Education & Skill Development

The implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes holistic, multidisciplinary, and skill-based education. Higher education institutions are focusing on research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

4. Healthcare

Schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Yojana have made healthcare accessible to millions. The rapid development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines showcased India’s capability in medical science and logistics.

5. Global Presence

India plays a vital role in international organizations like G20, BRICS, and the United Nations. The leadership during the G20 presidency highlighted India’s growing influence in shaping global policies.

Challenges in the Path of Development 

Poverty and Inequality – A significant portion of the population still struggles with poverty and unemployment, particularly in rural areas.

1. Unemployment – Though India produces millions of graduates annually, employment opportunities remain insufficient.

2. Healthcare Gaps – Rural healthcare infrastructure needs vast improvement.

3. Education Disparities – Despite improvements, the quality of education remains inconsistent across regions.

4. Environmental Concerns – Rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to pollution, deforestation, and climate change risks.

5. Corruption and Governance Issues – Transparency and accountability are critical for efficient governance.

6. Gender Inequality – Women’s participation in the workforce and leadership roles is still not at par with men.

Government Initiatives Towards Viksit Bharat 

India’s journey “Towards Viksit Bharat” envisions transforming the nation into a globally competitive, inclusive, and sustainable economy by 2047. The Digital India initiative empowers citizens through universal digital access, e-governance, and transparency, bridging the digital divide and enhancing service delivery. Simultaneously, Skill India and Startup India are driving entrepreneurship, innovation, and employment generation by equipping youth with practical skills and promoting a culture of self-reliance.

The Smart Cities Mission focuses on modernizing urban infrastructure through sustainable technologies, intelligent transport, and efficient resource management, ensuring cities become hubs of innovation and quality living. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan reinforces the vision of a clean and healthy India by promoting hygiene, sanitation, and environmental responsibility, directly impacting public health and community well-being.

Under the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), the government is investing massively in roads, railways, ports, and digital infrastructure to strengthen India’s economic foundation. Complementing this, the Renewable Energy Goals aim to achieve a 500 GW renewable capacity by 2030, advancing energy security while addressing climate change challenges.

The PM Gati Shakti Yojana integrates various modes of transport through a unified digital platform, accelerating logistics efficiency, reducing costs, and boosting industrial productivity. Together, these initiatives form the backbone of a progressive India, fostering innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Through collective effort, technological empowerment, and visionary governance, India is steadily moving towards becoming a Viksit Bharat — a developed, resilient, and self-reliant nation.

Role of Technology in Shaping Viksit Bharat

Technology stands at the heart of India’s transformation towards Viksit Bharat, driving growth, innovation, and social progress across every sector. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are revolutionizing industries such as healthcare, defense, education, and agriculture. AI-enabled diagnostics are improving medical accuracy and accessibility, while in defense, intelligent systems enhance national security. In education, adaptive learning tools personalize knowledge delivery, and in agriculture, AI-based prediction models help farmers make informed decisions on weather, crop yield, and soil health.

Space technology has emerged as a symbol of India’s scientific and technological excellence. Landmark missions such as Chandrayaan and Aditya-L1 not only boost global prestige but also strengthen national capabilities in satellite communication, weather forecasting, and resource mapping—key components for economic and disaster resilience.

Digital governance plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public administration. E-governance platforms like DigiLocker, Aadhaar-enabled services, and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) have made governance more citizen-centric, reducing corruption and bridging the gap between people and policymakers.

Agricultural innovations such as precision farming, drones for crop monitoring, and biotechnology-based solutions are reshaping India’s rural economy. These technologies enhance productivity, reduce input costs, and ensure sustainable use of resources, thus empowering farmers and contributing to national food security.

In essence, technology is the cornerstone of India’s vision for Viksit Bharat—a future where digital empowerment, scientific progress, and innovation lead the nation toward sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive growth.

The Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047

By 2047, the centenary of India’s independence, the nation envisions itself as a $30 trillion economy, marked by inclusive prosperity, job creation, and the eradication of poverty. This economic transformation will be powered by industrial growth, digital innovation, and sustainable infrastructure development.

India aims to become a Global Innovation Hub, leading in cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence, biotechnology, renewable energy, and defense technology. Innovation-driven entrepreneurship will position India as a global center for research, design, and technological excellence.

A key pillar of this vision is achieving self-reliance in defense and energy, minimizing dependence on imports and strengthening national security and energy sovereignty through indigenous production and renewable solutions.

India also aspires to be environmentally sustainable, promoting carbon neutrality, green cities, and a circular economy to ensure ecological balance alongside progress.

The journey towards social inclusion envisions equal opportunities for all citizens, eliminating disparities based on caste, gender, and region, and ensuring that development benefits every segment of society.

Finally, Viksit Bharat 2047 harmonizes tradition with modernity—preserving India’s rich cultural heritage while embracing global modernization. Together, these goals define India’s path toward becoming a prosperous, sustainable, and equitable global leader.

Role of Citizens 

The vision of Viksit Bharat cannot be achieved by government efforts alone; it requires the active participation and commitment of every citizen. Each individual must take responsibility for contributing to national growth through honesty, hard work, and social awareness. Paying taxes honestly ensures that the government has the necessary resources to invest in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and welfare programs that benefit all.

Citizens must adopt eco-friendly lifestyles, minimizing waste, conserving energy, and protecting natural resources to build a sustainable future. Promoting women empowerment is equally vital, as gender equality enhances social progress and drives inclusive economic development.

Engaging in community development through volunteer work fosters social harmony, compassion, and collective responsibility. By supporting local businesses and indigenous products under the “Vocal for Local” initiative, citizens help strengthen India’s economy, boost employment, and reduce dependence on imports.

Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship among youth and professionals ensures a vibrant, self-reliant economy that thrives on creativity and modern technology.

Ultimately, every citizen’s small yet consistent effort—rooted in integrity, sustainability, and patriotism—forms the foundation of a strong, united, and progressive nation. Together, these actions will transform the vision of Viksit Bharat into a living reality.

Comparisons and Lessons from Other Nations

Countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Japan, once struggling economies, became developed within decades through discipline, innovation, and governance reforms. India can learn from their models while adapting strategies suitable to its diversity and scale.

Conclusion 

The vision of “Viksit Bharat” is both a dream and a responsibility. It is not limited to economic growth alone but encompasses the holistic development of society. With strong government initiatives, technological innovations, global partnerships, and active citizen participation, India has the potential to emerge as a truly developed nation by 2047.

As the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India has emphasized, the next 25 years—“Amrit Kaal”—will decide the destiny of our nation. If every citizen contributes with dedication, honesty, and innovation, the day is not far when the world will proudly acknowledge India not as a developing nation but as a global leader—a Viksit Bharat.

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By Arvind Dewangan