WHERE DO WE STAND TODAY?

On August 15, 2024, India celebrated 77 years of Independence. As a country, India is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027 or 2030. India, the world’s most populous country, is often referred to as the world’s largest democracy. It is a progressive nation that has been on the path of development since independence.
According to a report by the rating agency MOODY’S, India’s GDP growth projection for FY2025 has been revised to 7.2% in 2024 from a previous estimate of 6.8%, and to 6.6% in 2025, compared to an earlier estimate of 6.4% in July. These figures indicate that India is progressing economically. However, are we truly progressive? Are we advancing as a society as a whole?
Looking closely at Indian society, several loopholes and social evils persist. Issues such as poverty, unemployment, drug addiction, domestic violence, gender disparity, and child abuse plague our society. This extensive list reveals the challenges India faces. It seems as though the country is experiencing economic growth without achieving societal development.
Despite economic strides, the mindsets and behavior patterns of many remain entrenched in outdated traditions. A report by the Mumbai-based Indira Gandhi Institute for Development titled India Development Report (2008) highlighted this paradox: while India is growing economically, it lags in social and societal progress.
Take a moment to reflect on this report. What do you think about its findings? What is the current condition of the society you live in? It’s undeniable that we face significant challenges today. The only way forward is through progressive education that fosters progressive minds. If education fails to shape individuals or create meaningful change, then what is its purpose? Education should awaken consciousness and evolve with changing times.
Gender Disparity and the Status of Women
Gender disparity remains a pressing issue. Recently, during the Legislative Assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir, women voters were described as the decisive factor. It is encouraging to see women stepping out to vote and choosing their representatives. A similar trend was observed during this year’s parliamentary elections, with political parties engaging in “women vote bank” politics.
In the recent Legislative Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s Ladli Behna Yojana was hailed as a game-changer for the BJP’s victory. On October 28, 2024, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that the Aam Aadmi Party’s next mission was to provide ₹1,100 per month to women—a promise they had made before the 2022 Assembly elections.
Thank you for the clarification. Here’s the revised section reflecting that the Maharashtra elections have already been conducted:
In Maharashtra, the Legislative Assembly elections concluded recently, and a new government has been formed. However, during the elections, the Congress manifesto promised ₹3,000 per month for women if they came to power. This highlights a broader trend of welfare promises targeting women voters. Yet, the question remains: is this genuine empowerment, or does it reinforce the notion of women as a marginalized group?
Prejudice, Prestige, and Judgments
Another concerning aspect of our society is prejudice and the prestige associated with making judgments. Many people adhere to preconceived notions, irrespective of their validity. Quick to judge without examining facts, we often believe what we want to, regardless of the truth. This rigidity and inflexibility hinder societal progress and beg the question: Is India truly progressing? And if so, is this progress meaningful?
Written By:
AFREEN MANZOOR