Join the ‘India @ 2047’ Summit: Shaping the Vision for Viksit Bharat’s Future with ABP Network

In a significant event, ABP Network hosted the India @ 2047 Summit. This gathering aims to blend the wisdom of our past with the innovations of today, envisioning a transformed India by its 100th year of independence.

Dr. Vikram Sampath, a prominent author and historian, opened the summit with a thought-provoking talk titled “Reimagining India: Letters to the Future.” He highlighted how colonial powers sought to undermine Indian identity. He stated that the British not only questioned India’s existence but shaped a mindset that still affects us today. “Colonial thinkers like John Strachey aimed to instill an inferiority complex in Indians, claiming that our intellectual treasures, such as the Vedas, came from abroad,” he said.

Dr. Sampath emphasized the need to remember India’s victories throughout history, not just defeats. He noted that India has the unique distinction of being the only pre-bronze age civilization still thriving today. “We must acknowledge the courage shown by our ancestors who fought wars and celebrated victories,” he asserted.

He also labeled the Naval Mutiny of 1946 as the last war of independence, linking it to the larger movement that led to freedom. According to Dr. Sampath, understanding our history is crucial to shaping a developed India by 2047. “Controlling the narrative of the past allows us to influence the present and future,” he added.

When asked about the objectivity of his work, Dr. Sampath clarified, “Historians should remain impartial. My analysis of figures like Savarkar and Tipu Sultan presents multiple perspectives. It’s essential for readers to form their own conclusions.” He pointed out Savarkar’s contributions, such as founding India’s first secret revolutionary group and promoting the boycott of British goods, to showcase a different aspect of his legacy.

Dr. Sampath contrasted the ideologies of Mahatma Gandhi and Savarkar. “Gandhi spoke of Ram Rajya through nonviolent means, while Savarkar believed that sometimes force is necessary to achieve such ideals,” he noted. He emphasized that India’s freedom struggle comprised both armed and nonviolent efforts, asserting that all sacrifices during colonial rule deserve recognition.

On a related note, Dr. Sampath remarked that historical accounts should remain diverse. “I don’t support the removal of chapters on Mughal history from textbooks. History should be seen from various angles,” he explained, likening it to exploring an elephant—each perspective reveals a different part of the whole.

The India @ 2047 Summit stands as a key platform for diverse voices across fields like governance, business, culture, and science. It seeks to chart a path for India’s future while respecting and learning from its rich past. As we look forward to 2047, fostering conversations and integrating past insights is vital for a Viksit Bharat.

For more insights into India’s evolving narrative, check out recent studies on historical perceptions and their impact on modern identity from sources like the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

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