Independence Day Message by Director General,C3S
As India celebrates its 77th Independence Day, on behalf of the Distinguished Members, Young Minds and Team C3S it’s a great pleasure to extend our warm wishes to all our fellow Indians celebrating this special occasion across the world. India has relentlessly upheld its vibrant democracy, diversity and values of pluralistic society for the past 76 years. India with its ancient civilisational values has grown to become a force to reckon with.
We have advanced significantly in a number of areas during the past few decades. The advances in spheres of technology, space exploration, agriculture, industry, arts, and sports have been noteworthy. As India is celebrating this momentous occasion, we can look back with pride on our remarkable feats in diverse sectors including space, semiconductor, green energy initiatives, economic and agricultural sectors. In the space sector, India launched its third mission to the moon "Chandrayaan III". The Indian scientific community has accomplished a major feat, and India is eagerly anticipating the ‘Gaganyaan mission’, when India becomes the fourth country to launch its own crewed spacecraft, after the Soviet Union (later Russia), the United States, and China. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) working on another major achievement of its space mission, the three-stage reusable rocket the “Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV). India launched its first private satellite Vikram S; this will be a boost to India’s budding indigenous space startups.
While the indigenisation efforts in defence have been given a great thrust, in order to fulfil the vision of AtmaNirbharta in electronics & semiconductors, India instituted the Semicon India programme with an aim to fund the “companies investing in semiconductors, display manufacturing and design ecosystem.” In 2022, the economic sector witnessed India’s merchandise export crossing over US$ 400 billion for the first time, an achievement that will enable India to be more self-reliant and reduce our dependency on other nations and become an alternative destination for manufacturing for the world. In 2023, India has launched many initiatives to complement it’s SAGAR vision and neighbourhood first policies. The assistance to our neighbours in Times of crisis has demonstrated that India is the first responder to meet the challenges in our neighborhood.
India has yet again manifested itself as a major global leader. India over the years have framed its foreign policy to maintain its strategic autonomy. With India taking the G20 presidency for the first time, it is steering discussions and initiatives among the world's major economies to address complex challenges while pushing the idea of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. Being part of many multilateral and regional groupings, like, QUAD, BRICS, India has the opportunity to set a narrative for itself and promote the voice of global south.
As we are celebrating 77th year of Independence, India stands as the most populous country in the world, taking over China. According to the UN’s projections, India now has a population of 1,425,775,850, surpassing China for the first time. The World Population report 2023 shows that India has the largest youth population with around 254 million in the 15–24-year age bracket. With the largest pool of the youngest population, India has a long way to go to capitalise on the demographic dividend. India's young population has great potential to propel economic development, technological innovation, and cultural vibrancy. India's young and expanding population offers opportunities and challenges for the future of the nation. India is poised to harness the full potential of a young country to achieve the dreams of millions and enable it to carve a unique place in the comity of nations.
As the world economy faces slow growth rate due to the effects of pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, it is of vital importance that India becomes self-reliant. India's First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2022. This has provided a major boost to India’s approach to indigenisation and achieve India’s goal of Atma Nirbhar Bharat. India's approach to self-reliance aims to achieve a level of autonomy while remaining engaged with the global economy and international partners.
Infrastructure plays a vital role in the development of a nation. India has been providing special emphasis on improving and expanding its infrastructure. Infrastructure development is crucial in achieving the India 2047 vision for a $ 40 trillion economy. As part of interconnected infrastructural development KRISHI- UDAN which has been launched to help farmers transport their perishable good by air. Ministry of Shipping under the Sagar Mala scheme is developing inland waterways network throughout the country under the PPP model to promote shipping and facilitate trade. India has taken major steps in improving infrastructure at the border areas. March 2023, a committee of secretaries was set up by the Indian government to fast-track infrastructure projects along the LAC. According to Minister of State for Defence, the government is planning to construct seven new tunnels along the India-China border to enhance road connectivity in the region. This infrastructure development will enable India to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As a country, we face numerous multifaceted challenges arising from many directions, both internally and externally. The nation has the capacity and capability matched with intentions to defend the mosaic of India against any forces or notions that attempt to undermine it. We should stand together in the face of all obstacles and maintain the principles of equality, inclusion, and diversity. By upholding our democratic values, fostering innovation, promoting education, and ensuring justice for all, we can create an India that our freedom fighters envisioned.
C3S on its part as the only think tank outside Delhi specialising in studying all dimensions of China has contributed to examining challenges and opportunities. In the past one-year (2022-23) Chennai Centre for China Studies (C3S) has conducted 47 events including book conversations, workshops, institutional dialogue, panel discussions, national and international conferences. In the same duration, C3S has had 66 publications comprising articles, monographs and issue briefs covering a wide range of issues concerning China and its implications for India. We have shaped 52 young minds through our elaborate internship programme, the writing workshop being a new addition to the programme. Our 39 newsletters have major reach abroad and in India. In this regard, we at C3S strive to serve this nation to the best of our ability by mentoring young minds and by providing quality inputs to the policy makers of the country. Once again Wishing all the well-wishers and readers and followers of C3S a Happy Independence Day!
