Visions for the future of India

India’s growth is fuelled by a growing young population, where 50 per cent are below the age of 25 and more than 65 per cent are below the age of 35. This population remains bullish about their future and ready to work hard to achieve them. While political and economic reforms pose a short- to medium-term challenge for India’s growth, the long-term growth projections still remain positive. Further development of the healthcare and education sectors is central to this growth.

India’s diverse economy, an emerging middle-class with spending capacity, rising access to digital technology, wealth of natural resources and manpower are some prospects that are making the country attractive for local and global investors. FDI remains a key growth driver that will continue to support economic development, closely followed by continued emphasis on infrastructure development, increasing access to banking, financial services and insurance services, increasing wholesale and retail trade and growing demand for quality healthcare and education services.

Challenges that can hinder this progress will need to be tackled proactively too. With an increasing rate of 20 per cent per decade, India’s population is causing problems such as shortage of food supply, increase in pollution and increasing load on the existing infrastructure. The focus needs to also be on reducing the divide between the haves and have-nots.

— Priya Mathew | Deputy Chief Subeditor

As one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, India will have its fair shares of success and challenges over the coming decade. Our GDP and per capita income will increase significantly, leading to a better quality of life. Relaxed trade policies will create growth and jobs. We will witness rapid urbanisation and immense infrastructure development. I strongly believe the manufacturing and retail sectors will thrive and compete with the world’s best.

We will see a shift from service to entrepreneurship. Young people are unafraid and have a strong belief in delivering change and technology will only help them achieve it. Almost 80 per cent of today’s start-ups are still in the nascent stage and we will see these ventures make an impact over the next decade. This entrepreneurial attitude will reduce talents from looking for opportunities abroad and contribute to the growth of the nation.

A major challenge could be the rise in population, limiting access to healthcare, housing and infrastructure.

— PM

My India of the future in many ways reflects the India of the past. I dream of one where the true potential of the country, its resources and people are realised and appreciated. An India that takes centre stage on the world platform, that spearheads environmental, cultural and archeological protection. An India that sees the artistic beauty of its diversities. Where growth and development does not conflict with nature, but abides by it. An India where there is a conscious and planned effort to reduce the financial divides and unproductive agendas. My most deep-felt vision of an India where every child is protected and finally one where every woman is able to realise her full potential with a community that supports it.

— Sankar Sri Pillai | Production Editor, Commercial Publishing

India’s future is promising for sure as it has the largest youth population and third-largest start-up ecosystem in the world. In fact, of the top ten software services companies in the world by market value, five are Indian companies with maximum Indian employees. Additionally, almost 60 per cent of IT services are outsourced to India, which clearly reflects the huge pool of talent in the nation and its future growth.

Recent market research data reflects that India is likely to surpass the US to be world’s second-largest economy by 2030 and will keep on growing, thanks to the economic liberalisation and globalisation that is facilitating faster development.

— Krita Coelho | Staff Writer

As India celebrates its 70th Republic Day, the country can take pride in its immense growth over the years. In a global economy that is seemingly slowing, India has held its head high by charging ahead as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Over the next decade, India can utilise technology to raise productivity, improve efficiency and alter the services sector. This growth drive can be disseminated into new areas of India and sustained in the long term. With the help of policymakers, realising these challenges can boost the economy.

As we identify new growth and partnership areas between government and industries, we can make India the top country in all fields.

S.P.