Independent India - 75 years and next 25

Independent India defied common logic in 75 years of independence - in positive ways. A country moves forward in the direction its citizens dream and act.

[1] In 1947, many infants would die. Also, we had seen many famine and two world wars besides continuous struggle for freedom. So, our ancestors overproduced. Our annual population growth rate was 2+% during first 45 years, till 1993. Since then it is on steady decline and last decade saw it around 1%.

[2] In 1947, the life expectancy was a meagre 32 years. When one has that short life, they do not work on anything long term. It was difficult for a common Indian to dream beyond seeing their children turn adults. By 1997, when we hit life expectancy at 60+, we started dreaming beyond survival (food and clothing). The aspirational class emerged. Our parents felt safe to sustain themselves and support education of children. They asked their children to aim for good paying jobs.

[3] Education is the biggest win in last 25 years (1997-2022). Higher literacy rate fueled better job prospects, the services industry and enriched-complex-economy. When the stomach is fed, shelter is ensured then people can afford to focus on larger goals.

[4] Next 25 years are going to be very interesting for India as a country and as a civilization. Future generations of India can change the world order. Let's gift them this dream. India's finance, culture and spirits are intertwined. All three need to sustain and grow together to make it work.

Please help our children in doing what they can do the best. Not be afraid of their livelihood and jobs like our ancestors were. Indian economy is flourishing enough to take care of that. Gift them the creative freedom as well and not just the rote learning from the century-old colonial education system.

[5] I'll be 60+ when Independent India celebrates 100 years. I dream that we will have three significant achievements by then

1. Zero hunger deaths
2. Affordable and adequate healthcare for all
3. 100 % literacy rate

I am happy to share this dream with all. I want to live long enough to contribute and celebrate that day. What are your dreams for India's future?