Timeless Bharat: A Report From India 2047
By Shailesh Haribhakti & Srinath Sridharan
In our idea of Timesless Bharat where we imagine the policy drivers across various socio economic drivers that could get India, further to a larger global role. A wish list of sorts, and a belief of sorts. For this is the nation that is given us everything that we have.
Shailesh Haribhakti
So we like to focus on the positives, possibilities and the potential …. We write on the transformative shifts in governance, technology, and societal values, envisioning a future where spiritual growth and material comforts align for collective progress.
Srinath Sridharan
In 2047, India stands as a shining example of strength, inclusivity, and progress, serving as a beacon of inspiration for the world. Overcoming demographic challenges and learning from past mistakes, India has propelled its vast population towards development and prosperity. This journey can be traced back to the Amrit Kaal, a 25-year period from 2022 to 2047, marking a century of modern independence for India.
At the heart of India’s transformation lies the concept of Atmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India, which laid the foundations for the nation’s contributions during the Amrit Kaal. Embracing global competition, India leveraged Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to revolutionise its manufacturing sector. By focusing on areas of strength and domestic capabilities, India capitalised on advancements such as 3-D printing and machine learning, ushering in an era of flawless manufacturing 5.0, characterised by built-in quality assurance and self-correction mechanisms to address any interruptions due to deficient parts.
Environmental sustainability became a priority as India decarbonised key industries such as the steel and cement industries. Rapid transitions were made towards cleaner energy sources such as hydrogen, nuclear energy derived from thorium, and the integration of solar, wind, and energy storage technologies into the national energy mix. These efforts not only mitigated climate change but also ensured a sustainable energy future.
The economic acceleration along this trajectory, coupled with extensive automation and knowledge-intensive, AI-driven advancements in agriculture, propelled India towards a remarkable 12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). This not only facilitated food self-sufficiency but also generated substantial wealth for farmers through high-value cash crops, which were also exportable, thus bolstering foreign exchange reserves. Leading up to this, the nation underwent a comprehensive transformation of its agricultural sector, fostering inclusivity and ensuring that marginal farmers could attain dignified and economically viable livelihoods through agricultural reforms.
Economic acceleration, coupled with advancements in agriculture and digital infrastructure, propelled India’s growth by fostering food self-sufficiency and generating wealth for farmers. The transition to a cashless digital economy, facilitated by UPI, catalysed innovation across sectors, leading to the establishment of globally significant banks and expanding Indian businesses’ reach.
Infrastructure development became a focal point, enhancing the quality of life and business environments. India’s investment in niche technologies at scale demonstrated political will and national pride, fostering resilience and prosperity.
The Amrit Kaal also witnessed significant progress in women’s rights and participation in the economy. Today, women entrepreneurs, particularly across SMEs and MSMEs, contribute substantially to India’s GDP. India has set an exemplary precedent by showcasing that prioritising preventive healthcare for women can profoundly impact societal well-being, economic prosperity, and national security.
India rediscovered its ancient wisdom, recognising its value in a modern context. Leveraging AI, India emerged as a global player, advocating for fair practices and developing AI solutions tailored to domestic needs.
India prioritised skill development and self-reliance, aligning with global progress, and reducing volatility in the workplace. The Amrit Kaal marked a shift towards progress that balances material comfort with spiritual growth.
The path ahead is clear: India is poised to remain a major exporter of clean energy, skilled human capital, and abundant food throughout the 21st century. India utilised personalised AI-Mentors, available in multiple Indian languages, to provide continuous education and skill development, thereby empowering citizens of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. The ambitious task of upskilling, reskilling, and unskilling nearly a billion people, including those who were not literate or tech-savvy, could only be achieved through India’s innovative and cost-effective digital public infrastructure.
Beyond leveraging data, digital technologies, and demographic advantages to sustain growth until 2047, India demonstrated democratic agility by fostering citizen engagement. The nation’s youth, with their voices and ideas, led the charge in cultivating a culture of positivity and inclusivity. Moreover, India ensured that the demographic shift towards an ageing population occurred with financial prudence, stability, and social security, guaranteeing dignity and voice to every citizen. This, indeed, embodies the essence of victory for Bharat.
