Introduction

India has come a long way from the days of the ‘Planning Commission’ to more of ‘De-centralised Planning’ under the NITI Aayog. Not only has the number of States increased to twenty nine states and seven Union Territories, the scope and definition of development and growth has also undergone a drastic change. India has successfully removed the tag of an underdeveloped economy and positioned itself among the fastest growing economies. From internet of things to internet of everything the landscape of the world is changing by leaps and bounds. It seems as if we have stepped into a newer world. As India enters the Amrit Kaal, a concept popularised by our honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India awakens to fulfil dreams and aspirations. India @75 certainly has a lot of achievements and experiences but as a septuagenarian it has its share of unfulfilled dreams and aspirations too. While India is ranked among the fastest growing economies, with a remarkable edge in the IT Sector, and has the best demographic dividend profile, it also has the largest number of poor in the world. The question is: How well are we prepared to meet the challenges from poverty? While ‘the idea of India’ is always a binding factor for generations, it is imperative to adopt and implement policies to be in tandem with changes, lest we tend to miss the bus of progress and development. more...