India has ‘crossed major milestones’ in many fields
The Indian economy has made tremendous progress over the last 8 decades, especially in t he 21st cent ur y and is now t he 6t h lar gest economy in t he world
This year marks 74 years of celebrating India’s Republic Day, a historical day which commemorates the country’s constitution. The Constituent Assembly was formed to frame the Constitution of India under the astute leadership of Dr B. R. Ambedkar, who is the architect of the Indian Constitution. The Indian Constitution came into effect on 26th January 1950 and India became a republic on that day. This day is celebrated by all Indians across the world when the sacrifices of our freedom fighters are remembered and the country’s achievements are celebrated.
India, which is home to nearly 1/6th of the world population, has achieved significant milestones in all sectors since its independence. The last few years saw the country leading by examples in many fields like science, technology and data, food security, literacy, climate and environment, etc.
The Indian economy has made tremendous progress over the last 8 decades, especially in the 21st century and is now the 6th largest economy in the world. This year, India has attained the responsibility of G-20 chairmanship. ‘Women led development’ is also a major topic among other topics of G-20. It is heartening that Smt. Droupadi Murmu, a woman President from the tribal region of India is the first citizen of the country now during the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, signifying the 75th year of independence with inclusive growth across gender. Interestingly, Nari Shakti is one of the proposed themes for the Republic day parade this year.
The government’s focus and funding on sustainable economic growth led by IT, innovation and digital transformation are seeing exponential advancement. Over the last few years, a series of government initiatives like Start-up India, Make in India, Skill India and Stand up India have helped in promoting entrepreneurship with the moto of “Be a Job-giver instead of being a Job-seeker”. India has been declared the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world ater the US and China, which has been possible due to the central government’s constant investment in younger people led under the supervision of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. With the demographic dividend of a huge working youth population, the country is slated to outpace other countries in GDP growth in the next decade.
Apart from managing COVID-19 in a commendable way with least mortality and rolling out vaccination for the mammoth population efficiently, India also supplied vaccines to many third world countries. However, the health sector requires more focus as the health of the people is the wealth of the nation. India spends 3% of GDP only on healthcare out of which more than half is out-of-pocket. I suggest that the finance minister should increase government budget on healthcare so that the total national spend goes up to 5% of GDP in near term, which is 3.16 now. The focus should be on primary and preventative care along with capacity building of doctors and nurses. Aster is contributing to the national health agenda through operating across 5 states with 15 Hospitals, 11 Clinics, 214 Pharmacies, 159 Labs & Patient experience centres, providing quality healthcare at affordable cost to millions of patients.
In a message two years ago, Moopen said, “Over the years India has emerged as an economic superpower and a force to reckon with, strengthened by its 1.3 billion people and shaped by its visionary leadership who have made the country stand tall through some of the most challenging times in history. As we celebrate India’s 75th Independence Day we celebrate the indomitable spirit of the nation which unites our countrymen across the world.
“The recent pandemic has tested the country to its core, with people being subjected to unimaginable crisis, suffering and loss and yet the country holds strong and continues to push forward. It was phenomenal to see how NRIS based across the world came together to support Indians in need, alongside the local and international governments. While the UAE Government extended its support to India, the NRI community based here, the largest in the world, contributed heavily through donation of relief material and essential supplies.”