The formal launch of Viksit Bharat represents a pivotal moment in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047, marking the 100th anniversary of its independence. As the country experiences rapid progress, the dream of achieving this milestone is becoming increasingly tangible. However, this vision also opens a conversation on the concept of development, prompting a closer look at how development priorities are chosen and what they truly mean for the nation’s future.
Euro-Centric View of Development
A central critique of Viksit Bharat’s emphasis on
economic development is that it reflects a
Euro-centric approach to growth. Historically, the Western view of development has dominated global discourse, prioritizing economic indicators such as
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and industrialization as the ultimate measures of success. This perspective often fails to account for local contexts, particularly in non-Western nations like India, where economic growth alone may not guarantee a thriving society.The
Euro-centric view of development primarily emphasizes material wealth and technological advancement, disregarding alternative models of human well-being and social progress. Critics argue that this narrow focus neglects broader aspects of life such as
happiness,
mental health, and
social stability—issues that are essential for sustainable growth.
What is Vision India@2047?
Vision India@2047 is a forward-looking initiative led by
NITI Aayog, India’s premier policy think tank, aiming to map out India’s development over the next
25 years. The blueprint seeks to position India as a global leader in
innovation and technology, a model for
human development, and a champion of
environmental sustainability. This vision recognizes that growth is multifaceted and must address a broad array of needs, from economic prosperity to social well-being.
Aspects of Viksit Bharat
The Viksit Bharat agenda outlines several key elements for India’s future growth:- Structural Transformation: Shifting resources from low-productivity sectors like agriculture to higher productivity sectors such as manufacturing and services. This aims to boost economic growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty.
- Organizing Labour Markets: Enhancing the quality of labor, improving skills, and ensuring fair employment practices. This could lead to better social protection and reduced informality in the labor market.
- Increasing Competitiveness: Encouraging innovation, efficiency, and global competitiveness to help India tap into international markets and attract investments.
- Financial and Social Inclusion: Expanding access to financial services and social welfare programs for marginalized groups to improve their income, education, and empowerment.
- Governance Reforms: Strengthening institutions and governance processes, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and participation.
- Green Revolution Opportunities: Promoting green technologies and practices, such as renewable energy, to mitigate environmental degradation and boost sustainable growth.
Beyond Economic Growth: What India Needs
India’s aspirations go beyond merely becoming the world’s largest economy. Critics question the reliance on traditional economic growth models, highlighting the need for a more
holistic approach to development. Economic growth alone is insufficient if it does not lead to improvements in
quality of life,
social well-being, and
personal happiness.A narrow focus on GDP overlooks the fact that
material prosperity does not always equate to
happiness. Many developed nations with high GDPs perform poorly on happiness metrics. This paradox is evident in the
World Happiness Report 2023, which ranked India
126th out of 137 countries, despite being the
fifth-largest economy. Countries such as
Finland,
Denmark, and
Iceland rank higher on happiness because they focus on
social support systems,
mental health, and
community well-being—elements often overlooked in conventional development models.
The Significance of a Happiness-Centered Development Model
A
happiness-induced development model is especially pertinent for India, where
social relationships and
cultural values play a crucial role in shaping individuals’ lives. A development model focused purely on economic growth risks disrupting
social cohesion and creating
imbalances between industrialization and social harmony.Countries that have prioritized happiness alongside development, like those in Scandinavia, showcase that
social stability,
work-life balance, and
mental health can be achieved without sacrificing economic progress. India must learn from these models and shift its focus from
material wealth to a more balanced approach that includes
happiness and
well-being.
Integrating Happiness and Well-Being into India’s Growth Model
India’s development agenda should move beyond traditional economic indicators and consider the following measures to incorporate happiness into the growth narrative:
- Human Development Index (HDI):
Focus on life expectancy, education levels, and income levels, providing a more comprehensive picture of well-being. - Social Development Index (SDI):
Integrate the Social Development Index to evaluate factors such as social inclusion, equality, and community health. - Green Index:
Emphasize sustainable development by adopting the Green Index, which balances economic growth with environmental stewardship. - Human Suffering Index:
Track the quality of life using parameters like mental health, suffering, and personal fulfillment, ensuring that economic development does not come at the expense of human dignity. - Additional Indices:
Incorporate indices like the Global Innovation Index, Gender Equality Index, and Rule of Law Index to evaluate development from multiple dimensions. - Happiness and Well-Being Index:
Establish a dedicated index to specifically measure happiness, life satisfaction, and mental health as central components of India’s development.
Moving Forward: Policy Alignment with Happiness
To effectively implement this vision, India must align its national policies with goals that prioritize both
economic growth and
social well-being. This could include:
- Regular monitoring of happiness indices and adjusting policies to address emerging needs.
- Educational and awareness programs that foster a cultural shift toward well-being, emphasizing work-life balance, mental health, and community building.
Key Takeaways
India’s path to becoming a developed nation by 2047 must be more than just about economic growth. By adopting a holistic approach that balances
material progress with
human happiness, India can create a development model that serves the well-being of its citizens. As the country continues to evolve, a focus on happiness alongside economic growth will ensure that the vision of a
Viksit Bharat is not only realized but that it also leads to a
Happy India.
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