India’s rise in the next five years will be like a rocket that defies gravitational force, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar declared on Friday, attributing the country’s exponential economic growth to a transparent and accountable mechanism in place. He described India’s rise as incremental and unstoppable, asserting that the world’s fifth largest economy has reached a point where global institutions now seek its advice, a shift from the past decade when they were the ones offering guidance.
Delivering a lecture at the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) University in Mumbai, Dhankhar emphasized that India is gaining recognition from global institutions. He highlighted education as the most impactful tool for achieving equality. “India was considered a sleeping giant, but not anymore. We are on the move, our rise is incremental, unstoppable, and we are getting accolades from global institutions,” he stressed.
Painting a rosy picture of the country’s future, Dhankhar highlighted that India’s growth in the next five years will be phenomenal. He insisted that India has reached a level where global institutions, who previously offered advice, are now seeking India’s suggestions, a transformation that has occurred within a decade. He attributed this shift to a decision-making process driven by transparency and accountability, leading to exponential economic growth.
Dhankhar pointed out that in 1990, the size of the Indian economy did not even match cities like London and Paris. Now, it surpasses the economies of the UK and France.
The Vice-President emphasized the critical role of higher education in shaping the nation’s future. “As we commemorate the centenary of our independence (23 years from now in 2047), the vision of a developed India beckons us with profound responsibility and promise. Higher educational institutions are the bedrock upon which this vision will be realized, nurturing not just knowledge but also innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal values,” he underlined.
Dhankhar urged educators to foster interdisciplinary approaches, industry collaborations, and a curriculum that equips students with the skills and mindset to address contemporary challenges creatively and confidently. As India progresses towards 2047, he said it is crucial to preserve and promote its rich cultural heritage while embracing global best practices. “You have the responsibility of instilling in our youth a sense of pride in our civilizational ethos, even as you prepare them to be global citizens,” the Vice-President told the gathering.
He further stated that the concept of ‘Viksit Bharat’ – a developed India – is not just a goal but a sacred mission that calls upon every citizen and institution to contribute their utmost. Higher educational institutions are pivotal to achieving this goal, serving as the “architects of tomorrow’s India” through the knowledge they impart, the skills they nurture, and the values they instill, Dhankhar emphasized.
Stressing the need for accessible, affordable, and sustainable solutions, the Vice-President said, “Viksit Bharat will not be built in air-conditioned offices alone. It will be built in the villages, in the urban slums, in the far-flung areas of our country. As you progress in your careers, always keep an ear to the ground. Understand the real challenges faced by your fellow citizens,” he told the audience at the prestigious management institute.
