Growing up in a small village in Jharkhand shaped my life deeply. In that place, barriers weren’t just ideas; they were everyday challenges. Opportunities were scarce. Education felt distant. Connectivity was weak. Silence often masked the hopes and voices of the people.
Living in rural India teaches you a significant truth: progress that doesn’t include everyone isn’t true progress. This understanding drives my belief that digital growth should uplift, innovation should honor our values, and AI should help reduce inequalities, not deepen them.
Yet, this challenging environment also nurtures resilience and determination. From these experiences, a vision of governance emerges—one that is inclusive and accessible to all.
The Sovereignty Pyramid for a Developed Bharat
The concept I call the Sovereignty Pyramid is essential to this vision. It ensures development is equitable, trustworthy, and owned by the people.
- Chip Sovereignty: The Foundation
Developing local semiconductors and affordable devices isn’t just about industry—it’s key to social inclusion. For a child in rural areas, having a device opens doors to opportunities. By building this foundation, we foster a sense of national pride and self-sufficiency.
- Cloud Sovereignty: Our Digital Space
Establishing a secure national cloud means that data serves our citizens, ensuring access to education, healthcare, and governance regardless of location. With this infrastructure, geographical barriers fade away.
- AI Sovereignty: Reflecting Our Values
AI must align with Indian languages and cultures. It should enhance governance and support human decision-making. With proper implementation, factors like age or location won’t hinder anyone’s opportunities.
- Knowledge Sovereignty: The Ultimate Goal
True progress happens when knowledge is shared freely. Skills should matter more than degrees, and learning should be continuous and accessible to everyone.
From Old Bharat to Viksit Bharat
This transformation is not just about small changes; it’s a complete overhaul. Consider how we approach demographics, geography, education, literacy, and economy:
| Barrier | Old Bharat | Viksit Bharat |
| Demographic | Youth vs. Elderly | AI for all ages |
| Geographic | Urban-focused | Village-friendly |
| Education | Degree-driven | Skill-oriented |
| Literacy | Text-heavy | Voice and visual AI |
| Economy | Subsidy-based | Capability-based |
A true Viksit Bharat involves empowering citizens rather than merely providing welfare. Technology must prioritize the needs of the community, ensuring growth respects humanity and the environment.
Reimagining Governance
The future is simple yet revolutionary. Imagine a farmer using AI in their language, a tribal student accessing top-notch education, or a migrant worker seamlessly transferring skills across states. In this scenario, citizens are the focus, while the state enables through technology.
Human-Centric, Sustainable Technology
A developed nation isn’t measured by how advanced its technology is but by how it serves its people. AI should support every citizen, especially those in remote areas, by being user-friendly and inclusive. This means:
- Using voice and visual interfaces.
- Supporting low-bandwidth conditions.
- Designing systems for inclusion over complexity.
- Understanding context beyond just data.
- Empowering frontline workers.
In this ideal Bharat, citizens aren’t monitored; they’re supported. Technology must demonstrate empathy in every application.
AI: A Companion, Not a Replacement
In governance, AI should enhance human decision-making while keeping humans accountable. Transparency is crucial—trust forms the foundation of our systems.
Designing for Sustainability
Technology and sustainability should evolve hand in hand. Energy-efficient solutions can lower environmental impact while enhancing various sectors like health and education. The goal is for technology to promote climate responsibility.
Reflecting on the Journey
My path mirrors the national journey—from limitation to strategy, from exclusion to empowerment. A vision can only resonate when it’s authentic and forward-thinking.
A Vision for a Developed Bharat
A Viksit Bharat is built not by importing intelligence but by empowering every Indian to contribute and thrive. We must create technology that scales wisely and serves all.
The author is a leader in technology and innovation with experience in shaping policies at a national level.
