A Minute For Our Country
On this 72nd Independence Day, let’s take a minute to appreciate our wonderful country, which is now the sixth largest economy by GDP and the third largest economy by PPP. In the last decade, we have grown from a $ 1.2 Trillion economy to a massive $ 2.8 Trillion economy — that’s a 133% growth in 10 years. I wish I had invested some money in the market then!
There are three areas, I believe, where we have made breathtaking leaps:
1. Improved Transport Infrastructure
India had the largest railway networks for centuries, however, in the last decade, we have made tremendous progress in our air and road networks. People are migrating away from their homes ever more than before, and it is only possible through — Tier 2 cities being connected through Udan scheme, overnight Volvos between major cities and innumerable trains. Remember that last road trip or that immediate rush for a friend’s wedding — wouldn’t have been possible a decade before.
2. Driving India Cashless
It’s been almost two years to demonetization, even though the views are skeptical, because of it today, we can purchase almost anything without cash. From sabjiwala to autowala, everyone today accepts transactions through mobile wallets. I am hopeful that we are on the journey towards the largest cashless economy, which is more inclusive, transparent and secured.
3. Visible Social Transformation
Owing to the larger environmental changes, we as a society have adapted well to succeed. I can safely say that we are not the snake-charming, process-following, customer-centric people that we used to be, in fact, we are innovating, solution-providing, geniuses that the world is looking for. The women of our country, today, are not only involved in domestic, cottage or teaching industry but in every single industry. I am not sure if I am noticing the change now or there is actually an increase in the number of women employed in jobs like serving at restaurants, driving an Uber, and filling at petrol-pumps. Isn’t that social upliftment?
Even though there is a long way to go, let’s feel proud, celebrate and envision a more beautiful future for the country.
