Opinion | 11 pledges, one vision, building an inclusive innovation and development India

As the country nears its 100th year of independence, the aspiration of Viksit Bharat 2047, a developed, prosperous, and united India, is beyond imagination. With inclusive policies, creative systems, and sustainability at the heart, India is steadily moving towards a future where each citizen stands to benefit from progress.

In December 2024, Prime Minister Modi made 11 pledges during a two-day session of Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, marking the 75th year of the Indian Constitution. These pledges were illuminating, as they marked a shift in the decision-making process with an emphasis on an economy, reviving culture, social justice, citizen responsibility, and sustainability.

As Prime Minister Modi emphasized: “Yeh samay ‘Sankalp Kaal’ nahi, ‘Siddhi Kaal’ hai. Is kaal ki tek hai yuva shakti. Yuva shakti hi ‘Viksit Bharat’ ka sutradhar hain.”

Towards a Developed India (Viksit Bharat): The first commitment is to make India a fully developed country by 2047, free of poverty and with a high quality of life. Starting with a focus on grand infrastructure and innovation, programs like PM Gati Shakti and the National Infrastructure Pipeline are now facilitating large investments in physical infrastructure such as roads, ports, railways, and digital connectivity (for inclusive growth). The vision sees India becoming a $30–40 trillion economy while diminishing regional inequalities and elevating its economic and strategic position globally.

Independence from the Mentality of Slavery: This pledge is an effort to liberate us from the colonial mentality that has been hindering the progress of India. It requires that we cease to be hung up on colonial symbols, colonial attitudes, and colonial laws that slow our progress while also taking pride in our own Indian knowledge systems, cultural practices, and traditions. Revitalizing Indian languages and honouring historical figures, augmenting a self-reliant identity, essential for independent thinking and imagination in the future.

Pride in Our Heritage: India’s glorious heritage is a matter of great pride, and this promise revolves around preserving and showcasing it. Initiatives such as revamping heritage complexes like the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and Mahakal Lok are taking India’s ancient tradition and religiosity to the forefront. Popularizing Yoga, Ayurveda, and cultural exchange across the world not only boost India’s soft power but also gives the youth a profound sense of belongingness and pride.

National Unity and Solidarity: National unity is above all divisions caste, creed, language, or area. The philosophy of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” directs this oath, which stresses linking government schemes to the farthest reaches of society, particularly the marginalized sector. A united society is critical for the nation’s long-term economic development and security.

Citizens’ Responsibilities: This oath shifts the attention from mere rights to equal attention on obligations. Citizenship involves performing responsibilities: paying taxes, maintaining surroundings clean, being respectful towards national symbols, and being law-abiding. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 weaves these values into children since childhood, making them responsible and active citizens who enhance governance and social cohesion in the long term.

Women-Led Development: Empowering women is important, but this commitment goes a step ahead, it sees women as leaders steering development across different sectors. Supporting financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and political engagement, it guarantees women access to opportunities and resources to lead. Empowering women’s potential guarantees a more balanced, inclusive, and sustainable national development.

Zero Tolerance against Corruption: Corruption slows growth, and this pledge means ensuring it doesn’t exist. Governance made possible through technology, including Digital India, Direct Benefit Transfer and GST, reduces reliance on human discretion and bias. It establishes transparent systems where public funds are being used effectively, trust is renewed for citizens, and businesses can operate with confidence in their dealings with the government.

Honesty and Perseverance: A culture of work ethic and honesty is critical for India’s emergence. This commitment encourages honest competition, spurs Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and creates an environment where hard work is valued. Such an attitude promises a credible, competitive global economy that rewards perseverance and honesty.

Prioritize the Poor and Marginalized: Inclusive growth is the foundation of India’s growth. This pledge confirms that the disadvantaged and marginalized contribute to national welfare. Initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for housing, Swachh Bharat Mission for sanitation, and Ayushman Bharat for health insurance are establishing pathways to improve the lives of millions, ultimately working towards the eradication of extreme poverty and improvement of various health and education indicators.

Self-Reliance Across All Sectors: This commitment is to creating India’s manufacturing strength in all sectors from defence to household items, lowering reliance on imports. Schemes like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) program spur strategic sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and telecommunication. The outcome is a more robust economy, more jobs, and improved national security, with India playing its role in global supply chains with confidence.

Scientific Temper and Patriotism: This pledge combines scientifically intelligent citizens with the genuine dedication of patriotism, and provides a commitment to foster and create problem-solvers and innovators, as well as citizens who take pride in the progress of India. Based on changes in education and technological advancements, the pledge provides a commitment to train young minds to develop solutions with creativity and critical thinking to enhance India’s contributions to the advancement of mankind in the 21st century.

Realizing these commitments requires a collaboration between citizens taking up responsibility and the government developing robust systems. When citizens use online platforms to participate, enhance local entrepreneurship, lead responsibly, and foster unity and integrity, they become co-writers of India’s future and not just recipients. These commitments represent a history of actions and results. Prime Minister Modi’s time thus far has included work such as providing over a billion toilets through Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, creating 51 crore bank accounts through Jan Dhan Yojana, creating 10 crore clean cooking fuel providers under Ujjwala Yojana, and bringing justice to the defense services with One Rank One Pension. These achievements inspire confidence that the ambitious target of Viksit Bharat 2047 is achievable. Through transparency, oneness, and a sense of collective responsibility, this vision will convey India as a wealthy, powerful and culturally confident nation. The process of Sankalp (determination) to Siddhi (attainment) will be complete when each citizen willingly shares the burden of shaping India’s future as a developed, united India rising high in the global arena by 2047.

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