Author: Rashi Akanksha

‘Viksit Bharat’ has been the buzzword in business circles since our Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned it in his 2022 Independence Day address. This vision, termed Viksit Bharat, (developed Indian economy) aims to position India as a global powerhouse—technologically advanced, economically robust, and socially inclusive by 2047.

However, the journey towards Viksit Bharat demands a collaborative and strategic roadmap that leverages India’s demographic dividend, accelerates technological advancements, and strengthens socioeconomic foundations. By aligning policies with global best practices and integrating sustainable development principles, India can reshape its future into one of prosperity and inclusivity.

Road to Sustainable and Viksit Bharat 2047

The 11th edition of the India and Sustainability Standards International Dialogue and Conference (ISS) hosted by the Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) was a convergence of thought leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and civil society stakeholders. Held from November 13-15, 2024, the conference centered on charting the trajectory toward a sustainable and developed India—‘Viksit Bharat’—by 2047.

The second high-level plenary session of the India and Sustainability Standards conference reflected deeply on this vision, drawing from diverse perspectives to define the roadmap for India’s development journey over the next two decades. The insightful session was chaired by Rijit Sengupta, CEO, CRB, who skillfully guided the discourse from initiation to conclusion. The session featured six distinguished speakers, culminating in a profound address by Arun Maira, a renowned thought leader and author with extensive experience across business, public, and social sectors.

The road to a Sustainable and Viksit Bharat by 2047 is ambitious and it demands a unified effort across sectors, prioritizing innovation, inclusivity, and long-term vision. The ISS 2024 conference underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, with each speaker contributing unique insights into this journey. As India progresses toward its centenary, the emphasis must remain on building a resilient, equitable, and environmentally conscious nation—one that embodies the essence of Sustainability 2.0. The dialogue at ISS 2024 is a vital step in this transformative journey, paving the way for India to emerge as a global leader in sustainability and development.

Speakers’ Perspectives on Building Viksit Bharat

Ajay Vir Jakhar: Prioritizing Human Capital in Agriculture

Ajay Vir Jakhar, Chairperson of Bharat Krishak Samaj, underscored the vital role of human capital in India’s future. Highlighting gaps in strategic planning for employment and nutrition, he advocated for scenario forecasting to align policies with the nation’s demands in 2047. He stressed the need to transition to regenerative agricultural practices, ensuring that research institutions and agriculture universities prioritize data-driven, sustainable food systems. Jakhar’s vision aligns closely with India’s goals of reducing dependence on imports and creating robust domestic capabilities.

Key insight – “If you want to be sustainable, focus on human resources. Strategic sufficiency, not self-sufficiency, is the key to resilience.”

Anil Bhardwaj: Addressing MSME Contributions to Sustainability

Being the Secretary General of the Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME), Anil Bhardwaj spotlighted the dual challenge of growth and sustainability for the MSME sector. Employing over 112 million people and contributing significantly to India’s industrial output, MSMEs also account for 15% of the country’s carbon emissions. Bhardwaj emphasized the importance of regulatory frameworks and international partnerships, such as the European Union’s emerging carbon compliance policies, to ensure Indian MSMEs remain competitive and sustainable.

Key insight – “We cannot ignore MSMEs in the sustainability agenda. They must adopt cleaner technologies and address issues of air, water, and noise pollution while reducing carbon emissions.”

Neelam Chhiber: Empowering Women through Collectives

Neelam Chhiber, founder of Industree Crafts, highlighted the transformative potential of women-led collectives. She discussed an ambitious national bamboo plantation initiative, involving one million women across 14 states. Chhiber advocated for scaling up India’s co-operative model, which currently contributes less than 1% to the economy. Drawing parallels with countries like Norway and New Zealand, she emphasized the need for collective production models to empower women and marginalized communities in India.

Key insight – “The government’s $1 billion investment in bamboo plantations can revolutionize rural economies, but only if implemented inclusively and effectively.”

Pawan Budhwar: Rethinking Higher Education for Sustainability

Pawan Budhwar, Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor at Aston University, introduced the concept of Universities 4.0, advocating for a reinvention of higher education institutions to address sustainability challenges. Budhwar urged India to embrace global best practices, such as apprenticeships and entrepreneurial programs, to bridge gaps in education and employment. He highlighted the critical role of research and innovation in enabling India’s youth to lead the sustainability agenda.

Key insight – “Higher education must integrate sustainability into its core agenda, equipping youth with skills to address issues like poverty, inequality, and climate change.”

Sanyukta Samaddar: Balancing Growth with Inclusivity

Sanyukta Samaddar, Principal Secretary of Uttar Pradesh Government highlighted the tension between rapid economic growth and sustainability. With India urbanizing at an unprecedented rate—adding the equivalent of London’s population annually—she stressed the need for equitable infrastructure development and energy transition. Samaddar pointed to the $4.4 trillion investment gap in achieving India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and emphasized the importance of integrating inclusivity into energy and transportation policies.

Key insight – “We cannot achieve Viksit Bharat without ensuring inclusivity and addressing gaps in energy access, environmental degradation, and social equity.”

Arun Maira’s Call for Systemic Transformation

The session was concluded by an inspiring address by Mr. Arun Maira, who shared his unique perspective as a former member of India’s Planning Commission and a champion of systems transformation. Mr. Maira began by acknowledging the systemic challenges India faces, including unemployment, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation. He framed these issues as interconnected, requiring holistic and localized solutions.

Key insights from Arun Maira’s address

1. Importance of systems thinking:Maira emphasized that solving complex problems requires a shift from fragmented approaches to systemic thinking. He illustrated this with the analogy of a machine, explaining that sustainable systems must work cohesively, with all components interacting seamlessly.
2. Community-centric development:Stressing the role of communities as critical agents of change, Mr. Maira argued for decentralizing decision-making. He stated that solutions must emerge locally, tailored to the unique socio-economic and cultural contexts of each region.
3. Rethinking economic policy:Reflecting on his tenure in the Planning Commission,  Maira felt top-down economic policies often disregard the harsh realities of marginalized communities. Instead, he advocated for policies rooted in local wisdom and participatory governance.
4. Learning from history:Drawing on global and Indian experiences, Mr. Maira cautioned against repeating past mistakes. He highlighted the need for innovative strategies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing root causes rather than symptoms.
5. New ethical toolkit:Referencing his book Transforming Systems: Why the World Needs a New Ethical Toolkit, Maira spoke about the ethical dimensions of leadership and governance. He emphasized listening to diverse voices, fostering inclusion, and prioritizing well-being over mere economic growth.

One of the most thought-provoking moments of the session was when Mr. Maira said:

“The fire and its problem are not separate; they are part of the same system. Sustainable solutions require us to listen to people—not just their words but their lived experiences. A truly inclusive society is built by engaging every voice, especially those on the margins. If we continue using the same approach to solve problems, we risk creating new ones. It’s time to reimagine systems that ensure sustainable livelihoods and dignity for all.”