S Jaishankar's view that a fresh vision has led to India’s recognition worldwide has substance to it
From the echoes of ancient wisdom to the symphony of modern aspirations, India stands tall, a testament to the spirit that transforms challenges into opportunities. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently highlighted this sentiment. In a transformative era marked by technological advancements, inclusive governance and strategic diplomacy, he has asserted that India's global perception has undergone a sea change. Addressing the Viksit Sankalp Bharat Yatra, Jaishankar underlined the changing narrative surrounding India, emphasising the pivotal role of changed vision in the nation's evolution over the past decade. He pointed out that the fundamental change in India is not merely the result of economic growth or technological innovation but that it stems from a shift in vision. This paradigm shift has garnered international attention, prompting discussions about India's remarkable progress on the world stage. One of the key elements contributing to India's transformation is the effective use of technology. Jaishankar highlighted the widespread adoption of Aadhaar and the mass opening of bank accounts as pivotal milestones. These initiatives, coupled with technology integration, have not only streamlined governance but also brought about societal changes. The External Affairs Minister highlighted the multifaceted improvements in areas such as health, water, electricity, housing and education, positioning India's challenges as shared global concerns.
Jaishankar underscored the universality of the challenges faced by India, noting that issues such as healthcare, water scarcity, and education are not unique to it. These challenges are shared by nations worldwide, including developed countries. The acknowledgement of common problems emphasises India's role as a global player, actively contributing to discussions on collective problem-solving and sustainable development. What Jaishankar said is largely true as there has been a definite shift in India’s approach towards domestic and world politics and it is today indeed a New India. But having said that, it would be rather naïve to believe the Minister's every word. Despite progress on many fronts, many pressing issues still need to be addressed, the major ones being social cohesion, employment, economic growth and strengthening of constitutional institutions. He might have got good reactions from people abroad but it is also a fact that India’s democratic credentials are at an all-time low in the west. Many of the achievements highlighted by him are a continuation from the past, Aadhar for one, and it is not always a good idea to draw a definitive line of demarcation. What the country today is the cumulative result of efforts of various Governments and leaders who shaped it. There are still a plethora of challenges that the country faces today. Let us deal with those; singing paeans of self-praise often acts as a roadblock on the road to progress.
