At a time when India is at the cusp of occupying its well-deserved place at the high table in the comity of nations, it is pertinent to look into the contemporary policies of the day and also to look into what lies ahead in the years ahead.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already announced a concrete vision of how he sees India develop in the 25 years—or “amrit kaal”—till 2047 when India truly becomes “Viksit Bharat” (a developed India) on the strength of “atmanirbharta” or self-reliance to become an economy worth USD 40 trillion.
It is no small target. It means “the minimum essential requirement is to attain a per capita GDP of USD 13,205 by 2047”.
In this backdrop, a book that holistically deals with the roadmap is a key to understanding the narrative laid down by the government. Brigadier (Dr) Rajeev Bhutani’s book Aatma Nirbhar & Viksit Bharat @ 2047: Forging ahead in Amrit Kaal does exactly that.
A distinguished military career in the Indian Army with postings in the challenging trouble spots of Northeast India in Jammu and Kashmir and in the inhospitable terrain of the higher Himalayas has accorded him an observation post from where he could ponder over the security and strategic challenges confronting India. This book is an articulation of that narrative.
In Part 1 of the book, he writes about the challenges and opportunities, focusing more on the historical perspective. Part 2 looks at the growing economic and military heft, the much-touted infotech capability that has led to the growth of a very conducive ecosystem, the diplomatic dominance, the niche areas of science and technology that the country is developing, and importantly the concentration of soft power and how all these critical components contribute to the ‘comprehensive national power’.
Bhutani’s painstakingly researched book would be good as a “one-stop” reference for any policymaker to understand the journey India has taken in the past ever since Independence and the one that needs to be undertaken in the coming years. It will also adequately acquaint all those interested in the noble task of nation-building with India’s recent development history, its unique talents and potentials, and the challenges it has to overcome.
Aatma Nirbhar & Viksit Bharat @ 2047: Forging ahead in Amrit Kaal
Author: Brigadier (Dr) Rajeev Bhutani
Publisher: UPPAL Publishing House
Pages: 377
Price: Rs 1499 (Hardcover)
