By: Dr. Avi Verma

A Nation Celebrating Its Rise

As celebrations of India’s journey toward 80 years of Independence continue across India and around the world, the Indian diaspora has a special reason to celebrate. From Chicago to London, Dubai to Sydney and Toronto to Singapore, the Tricolour is being raised with pride.

India is no longer the economically fragile nation of 1947, struggling with poverty, limited infrastructure and an uncertain place in a world dominated by established powers.

India today is finding its voice—and the world is listening.

This remarkable transformation deserves celebration. But it also demands reflection. After nearly eight decades of nation-building, India must ask an equally important question:

What comes next?

India’s New Place in World Politics

India’s transformation is particularly visible in foreign policy. For decades, India emphasized strategic restraint, non-alignment and diplomacy. Those principles helped establish its independent identity during the Cold War.

Today, India has adopted a more confident approach based on strategic autonomy. It maintains important relationships with the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan, Australia, the Gulf nations and the Global South while pursuing its own national interests.

India increasingly wants to be a country that shapes global decisions rather than simply responds to them.

Its growing diplomatic influence, leadership among developing nations and expanding strategic partnerships demonstrate a nation increasingly comfortable with its place on the world stage.

From Absorbing Terrorism to Deterring Terrorism

Perhaps the most dramatic change has been India’s response to terrorism.

For years, terrorist attacks were followed by condemnations, diplomatic protests and appeals to the international community. India today has demonstrated a considerably more assertive willingness to defend its national security, including action against terrorist infrastructure when deemed necessary.

The message is clear:

India will defend itself, and terrorism against India will carry consequences.

This does not mean India seeks war. A confident nation should not desire conflict. But peace is strongest when supported by credible deterrence.

India’s growing defence capabilities, intelligence network, border infrastructure and indigenous defence production have strengthened that deterrence.

India’s Economic Transformation

India’s economic journey is equally remarkable. It has moved from a largely closed economy to one of the world’s major economic powers.

Highways, railways, telecommunications, digital payments, manufacturing, startups and space technology have transformed the country. India is now among the world’s largest economies and continues to be one of the fastest-growing major economies.

But GDP alone cannot define India’s success.

The real question is:

How much of India’s economic growth reaches the ordinary Indian?

The Gen Z Challenge

India’s young population is perhaps its greatest opportunity—and one of its greatest responsibilities.

Young Indians want more than degrees. They want jobs, dignity, opportunity and fairness. Anxiety over competitive examinations, paper leaks, expensive coaching and uncertain employment reflects a larger national challenge.

Education must increasingly prepare young people for the economy of tomorrow—artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, digital technology, entrepreneurship and skilled trades.

GDP growth must translate into employment growth.

The aspirations of India’s youth must become a central priority of the next phase of nation-building.

Growth Must Become Inclusive

India’s rise will remain incomplete if prosperity is concentrated in limited sections of society.

The next chapter must focus on economic mobility. Farmers need better technology, markets and infrastructure. MSMEs need easier access to credit. Women need greater economic participation. Rural India needs better healthcare, education and connectivity.

India must continue improving affordable healthcare, government schools, vocational training, housing, sanitation, clean water and social security.

The goal should not simply be to reduce poverty.

The goal must be to create pathways out of poverty.

A child born into a poor family should have a genuine opportunity to rise through education, talent and hard work.

Communal Harmony: The Foundation of Strength

There is another challenge that cannot be measured in GDP or military strength:

Can India become more powerful without becoming more divided?

India’s greatest civilizational strength has always been its diversity. Different religions, languages, cultures and traditions have contributed to the making of modern India.

A confident India should have no fear of diversity.

Political disagreement is natural in a democracy, but communal polarization weakens national unity. Every Indian—regardless of religion, caste, language or region—must feel secure, respected and equally invested in the country’s future.

A powerful India must also be a united India.

Defence Is Only One Dimension of Power

India’s growing defence capabilities are a source of national pride. Indigenous defence production, advanced technology and defence exports are strengthening India’s strategic position.

But true national power extends beyond the military.

It includes economic strength, technological innovation, education, healthcare, diplomacy, institutional credibility and social stability.

India must therefore build comprehensive national power—not merely military power.

The Unfinished National Agenda

As India celebrates its achievements, it must confront the challenges ahead: youth unemployment and skill gaps, rural-urban inequality, agricultural modernization, women’s workforce participation, education and healthcare quality, pollution, water security, urban infrastructure, affordable housing, digital inequality, judicial delays, social polarization and the impact of artificial intelligence on employment.

These are not signs of a weak India.

They are the challenges of a rising India.

What Kind of Great Power Will India Become?

The first decades after Independence were about survival and nation-building. The following decades brought economic liberalization and globalization. Today, India is seeking a larger role in shaping the world.

The next phase must be about human development and quality of life.

India should become a nation where young graduates find meaningful employment, farmers prosper, women participate fully in the economy, innovation is rewarded, the poor can rise through education and institutions command public trust.

The Celebration Must Become a Commitment

The worldwide celebrations of India’s journey should not end with flags, fireworks and speeches. They should inspire a commitment to India’s next chapter.

Let us celebrate the soldier who protects our borders, the scientist who reaches for the stars, the entrepreneur who creates jobs, the farmer who feeds the nation, the teacher who shapes the next generation and every citizen who contributes to India’s progress.

India has spent nearly eight decades proving that it can survive, adapt and rise.

It has found its voice on the world stage.

Now the question is no longer simply:

“Can India become a great power?”

“What kind of great power will India become?”

A powerful India must also be a compassionate India.

A prosperous India must also be an inclusive India.

A militarily strong India must also be a peaceful India.

A globally influential India must also be united at home.

And an India aspiring to become Viksit Bharat must ensure that development reaches every Indian.

India has found its voice. Now it must ensure that every Indian has a voice in India’s next great chapter.

Jai Hind.