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A few days ago, I read an insightful
article by an old Bharat Rakshak friend, Suraj, in Swarajya magazine
about India’s journey towards Vikasit Bharat by 2047 through the lens of
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I highly recommend that readers take a
look at it.
Hacking the Human Development Index:
Why UNDP's Latest HDI Scores For India Are Misleading
Understanding Vikasit Bharat and
SDGs
Let’s start with the basics. What is our
vision, as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi? We aim to become a Vikasit
Bharat by 2047. But what does that mean? Essentially, it implies that the
quality of life in India, for all 140+ crore citizens, will reach an average
SDG score of 80 or more. The SDG score is a key indicator of long-term
sustainability in quality of life, assuming there are no major disruptions like
wars or catastrophic natural events.
India could have defined its own
quality-of-life indicators without external influence. However, adopting an
internationally recognized standard has strategic advantages. It allows India
to benchmark itself against global peers and enhances its credibility in
international financial markets. A high SDG score can improve India’s rankings
in various financial indices, potentially lowering the cost of capital and
international borrowings. Even a modest 1-2% reduction in borrowing costs could
save India Rs. 2-3 lakh crore annually - equivalent to our current food
security expenditure.
Of course, agreeing to an international
standard brings challenges. Some indicators may not align with Indian
realities, while others may conflict with India’s unique advantages. However,
since our policymakers have accepted SDG standards, it makes more sense to
focus on achieving high scores efficiently while preserving India’s
civilizational identity.
Can India Achieve High SDG Scores?
There are 17 SDG goals measured through 105
indicators, covering various aspects of human well-being. These indicators are
tracked using a complex yet widely accepted methodology, which interested
readers can explore online.
To assess India’s progress, we refer to the
India
SDG Report 2023-24. I encourage readers to go through this report, as
the goal here is not to re-state its details but to engage in a broader
discussion.
A careful review of SDG goals shows that
most have little to do with technological superiority or even GDP. While
economic development is essential for tackling poverty, hunger, and education,
GDP alone does not fully capture individual well-being. In fact, eight out of
the 17 SDG goals do not depend on technological advancement. Most nations,
including India, can achieve high SDG scores using existing technologies.
As of 2024, India’s SDG score stands at 71,
marking a 14-point increase from 2018 (Page 67 of the report). India has
already surpassed the 80-point benchmark in three out of 17 SDG goals and
scored over 70 in five more. Given the Modi government’s mission-driven
approach (Pages 6-9 of the report), achieving an overall score of 80 by 2029—or
at the latest, by 2030—is realistic.
The Reality Behind High SDG Scores
It is important to remember that achieving
a perfect score of 100 on an SDG goal does not mean all citizens enjoy equal
benefits. There will always be individuals who are dissatisfied or unable to
afford certain lifestyle improvements. In a country of 140 crore people, even a
tiny fraction—say, one lakh (<0.0001%)—will inevitably be unhappy with some
aspect of life. In today’s digital era, this small group can amplify their
grievances across social media platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Twitter/X, Instagram,
and YouTube.
To put things in perspective, China had an
overall SDG score of 70.85 in 2022. India has reached a similar score in 2024,
just two years behind. Even China aims to cross the 80-point mark by 2030, so
India remains on track.
However, an important distinction must be
made: Just because India and China both achieve an SDG score above 80 does not
mean they are identical in all indicators. Differences in individual SDG scores
and the methods used to achieve them will persist. Consider Finland, which has
the world’s highest SDG score of 86.35, yet performs poorly in three key areas:
(2) Zero Hunger, (12) Responsible Consumption and Production, and (13) Climate
Action. This should remind Indians not to indulge in unnecessary self-criticism.
The India Way
The essence of SDGs lies in sustainability.
A nation may achieve a perfect score temporarily, but if that progress is
unsustainable, it will ultimately fail. A useful metric to assess
sustainability is ecological footprint, which measures the human demand
on natural resources. If the entire world lived like the United States, we
would require four Earths to sustain that lifestyle. Finland’s lifestyle would
require 1.4 Earths, while China’s would need three Earths.
In contrast, India’s current SDG score of
71 requires only 0.7 Earths. The Bharatiya approach must focus on
achieving an SDG score above 80 while maintaining this low ecological
footprint. This is a critical distinction that readers should keep in mind.
Another key aspect of India’s strategy is
ensuring that Vikasit Bharat is also Virasat Bharat. India’s
civilizational identity remains rooted in its Hindu heritage. If an Islamic USA
can exist in Dubai and a Christian China in France, then India can certainly be
a Hindu China. There can be no compromise on this civilizational foundation.
The third dimension of India’s approach is
its global impact. Every nation’s progress affects others, either positively or
negatively. The Spillover Index measures these cross-border influences
in trade, finance, and security. With a score of 95.74, India ranks 27th
globally - outperforming all G20 countries. This means India’s rise benefits
the world, a claim few other G20 nations can make.
A Different Path to Development
Finally, there is the GDP argument. Many
believe that becoming a developed nation requires a per capita GDP of over
$40,000 (as seen in first-world countries) or at least China’s $15,000.
However, India may prove otherwise. It is possible for India to achieve Vikasit
Bharat status with a per capita GDP of just $5,000 by leveraging
sustainable growth models. If successful, this would be a major contribution to
the Global South, breaking Western financial hegemony once and for all.
India’s SDG journey is not just about improving scores but about redefining development itself. By prioritizing sustainability, cultural identity, and global responsibility, Bharat can carve out a unique and impactful path towards Vikasit Bharat 2047.
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