Transforming India: 11 Years of Viksit Bharat – A Journey of Development, Progress, and Nation Building

As India moves toward its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, the last decade has been quite transformative. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approach emphasizes the need to shed outdated mentalities, championing reform and innovation.

India has seen significant changes in its business landscape. In 2017, the country ranked 130 in the World Bank’s Doing Business Index. Today, it stands at 63, attracting greater foreign investment. The startup scene has boomed, with 1.6 million startups emerging, up from just 500 a decade ago. This growth has led to the creation of 118 unicorns, or startups valued at over $1 billion. As a result, India has climbed to the position of the fourth-largest economy, a remarkable feat in just ten years. According to recent data from Bloomberg, by 2025-2030, India, along with China and the USA, is set to be one of the world’s main drivers of economic growth.

In addition to economic strides, India is taking a lead in global climate issues. Committing to zero carbon emissions by 2070, the country has already achieved a significant milestone, with 50% of its electricity sourced from non-fossil fuels. This commitment to renewable energy was solidified with the International Solar Alliance, launched alongside France in 2015. India’s ambition doesn’t stop there; it has also spearheaded the Global Biofuels Alliance, enhancing its energy security as it continues to grow economically.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, but India responded with its principle of “Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam,” or “the world is one family.” While wealthier nations hoarded vaccines, India not only produced its own but also supplied billions to over a hundred countries through the Vaccine Maitri initiative. Domestically, the government prioritized healthcare, launching the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which has issued over 345 million health cards and empaneled nearly 30,000 hospitals.

Agriculture remains a crucial pillar of India’s economy. Recognizing farmers as the backbone of food security, PM Modi’s government has implemented various reforms aimed at doubling farmers’ incomes. The National Agriculture Market and soil health card schemes are notable examples, resulting in a substantial increase in food grain production from 252 million to 332 million tons in just a decade.

Addressing poverty is another significant challenge. India runs one of the largest food security programs globally, providing essential food grains to over 800 million beneficiaries. Recent initiatives, like extending free food distribution for five more years under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, highlight the government’s commitment to alleviating hunger.

The vision of self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) is central to India’s strategy to become a manufacturing hub for the world. With a focus on defense, India’s indigenous systems have shown remarkable effectiveness, particularly during military operations targeting terrorism.

Moreover, India’s achievements in technology and space exploration have been groundbreaking. From successfully landing on the Moon to developing a robust digital infrastructure, India has set new benchmarks in innovation. The linking of the unique Aadhar system with bank accounts has streamlined welfare programs, ensuring assistance reaches those who need it most, especially during crises.

India’s foreign policy, based on values and strategic ties, continues to evolve. By engaging with global forums like G7 and G20, India is becoming a crucial voice for developing nations, advocating for inclusivity and effective multilateralism.

In summary, India has turned challenges into opportunities in multiple sectors, from economy and healthcare to agriculture and technology. The country is not just aiming for growth but is also focused on sustainable development, making it a significant player on the world stage.

For more insights about India’s growth journey, you can refer to the World Bank for up-to-date statistics and summaries of ongoing initiatives.

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