A decade of change: Charting Bharat’s transformation

From Modi 1.0 to 3.0: Viksit Bharat captures a decade of reforms and ambition

A new government publication titled Viksit Bharat offers a sweeping narration of how Bharat has transformed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014. More than a retrospective, it chronicles the development from Modi 1.0 to Modi 3.0 and signals a broader intent for the future. It chronicles milestones in governance, infrastructure, welfare delivery, digital innovation, and foreign policy, framing them as part of a larger civilizational vision.

A remarkable decade of progress includes: 318 million new bank accounts through PMJDY, over 1.2 million toilets built under Swachh Bharat, reforms in defence, space, and nuclear collaboration, and over 230 million users on DigiLocker. These are not merely statistics but symbols of a recalibrated state machinery geared toward mass inclusion, progress, and strategic self-reliance.

At its core, the book functions as both a documentation of change and a political narrative, rooted in the philosophy of India First and anchored in the ambition to establish Bharat as a global leader by 2047, the centenary of its independence. It is a story of scale, speed, and societal upliftment—unprecedented in scope for a nation of 1.4 billion.

Welfare and inclusion at scale

Perhaps the most frequently cited achievement under Modi’s leadership is the scale of welfare delivery. In addition to bank accounts integrating millions into the formal financial system, the Ujjwala Yojana delivered over 10 crore LPG connections, and the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme targets 50 crore beneficiaries.

The 1.2 million toilets in rural Bharat seek to eliminate open defecation, a long-standing public health and dignity issue. As someone who has been visiting rural schools since 2015, I have personally witnessed transformation, especially the improved dignity of girls through access to basic sanitation. These gains are deeply tangible and the backbone of an inclusive growth model.

Infrastructure and the digital leap

The transformation of India’s physical and digital infrastructure is another central theme. Neglected rural areas saw progress in electrification, road development, and affordable housing. Simultaneously, Bharat’s digital public infrastructure—Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker—has received global acclaim for its scale and inclusivity. The expansion of BharatNet, aimed at providing high-speed internet to every village, represents the Modi government’s push for transparent, tech-driven, and citizen-centric governance.

National security and global standing

The book strikes a resolute tone on national security. It details Bharat’s unprecedented responses to terror attacks, the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir, and major defense modernizations. Recent surgical strikes in Pakistan under ‘Operation Sindoor‘ exemplify Bharat’s assertiveness in protecting its sovereignty.

On foreign policy, the publication underscores Bharat’s growing stature on the world stage, from leading the G20 to deepening strategic ties in the Indo-Pacific. Today, Bharat is no longer a silent participant but a vocal and visible force in global affairs. As this article is being penned, Prime Minister Modi has been invited to attend the G7 Summit—yet another marker of India’s elevated geopolitical role.

Economic growth and self-reliance

Bharat is now projected to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027. The Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, spanning manufacturing, defence, critical technologies, and pharmaceuticals, anchors much of the book’s economic vision.
Opening sectors like space and nuclear energy to private players signals a broader liberalization agenda. While notable strides have been made, challenges remain in job creation and boosting export competitiveness.

A vision for 2047

Looking ahead, Modi’s long-term vision includes eradicating poverty, advancing green energy, eliminating Naxalism, and elevating India to developed nation status by 2047. Ambitious targets include digitizing all government services, achieving universal access to healthcare and education, and securing energy independence.

A singular narrative?

New India paints a confident, purposeful picture of a nation on the rise. Yet, critics may argue it underplays the complexity of India’s democratic landscape, such as press freedom, institutional independence, and social polarization. These will be further amplified through a Western lens that finds Bharat’s self-definition difficult to digest.

Still, in my informed view, the book is a significant artifact—an official chronicle of how the Modi administration wants to be remembered, and where it believes Bharat is heading. It serves simultaneously as a policy document, political vision, and campaign cornerstone.

Conclusion

In sum, the publication reflects Viksit Bharat as ‘A Bharat of Confident Democracy (ABCD),’ a decade of bold governance, marked by ambition and unapologetic nationalism. It offers rare insight into the priorities, language, and legacy of a government that has undeniably reshaped and transformed Bharat’s domestic and global image. The vision of India First governance renders the book as much a mirror of today’s Bharat as it is a manifesto for the future.

Note:
1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.
3. The author acknowledges the use of ChatGPT for compiling this article.

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