Has India Achieved APJ Abdul Kalam's 2020 Vision?

APJ Abdul Kalam, a towering figure in Indian history, was much more than just a distinguished scientist and former President of India. He was a rare humanitarian, a role model, and a visionary who envisioned a future for India that remains as aspirational today as it was two decades ago. His 2020 Vision, a forward-looking blueprint for the nation, aimed to transform India into a developed country and a global superpower. However, despite his untarnished legacy, his vision has largely gone unfulfilled. This article delves into the reasons behind the unfulfilled aspirations and explores how far India has come in achieving this significant milestone.

APJ Abdul Kalam: A Legendary Leader

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's life was a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication. Born into a Muslim family in 1931, he was a man who embraced his Indian identity with great passion and served as a role model for millions. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Kalam never allowed his religion to shape his professional or personal choices. Instead, he focused on the unifying values that bind all Indians – patriotism, progress, and unity. His tremendous contributions to India, especially in the field of aerospace technology and his efforts as President, have left an indelible mark on the nation's psyche.

The Unfulfilled Vision of 2020

As of 2023, the year 2020 has long passed, yet it is disquieting to observe how far India is from realizing Kalam's grand vision. The 2020 Vision encompassed three key objectives:

Developing India into a developed nation Ensuring India's status as a global superpower Improving the standard of living for the common man

Focusing on the first objective, where did India stand in terms of economic development? Despite substantial progress, there are still significant disparities and challenges that need to be addressed. The country's per capita income, infrastructure development, and digitization have seen notable improvements, yet issues such as poverty, rural-urban divide, and regional imbalances persist.

The Role of Current Leadership

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the Indian government has pursued policies aimed at economic growth and development. Various initiatives, including the Digital India campaign, Make in India, and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, have contributed to progress. However, the effectiveness of these policies in fully realizing Kalam's vision remains questionable. Moreover, it is crucial to acknowledge the broader context of national politics and governance. Modi's government, while emphasizing certain developmental aspects, has faced criticism for its policies in areas like human rights, environmental sustainability, and minority rights. These factors have somewhat overshadowed the progress towards Kalam's grand vision.

Overcoming Divisive Policies and Achieving Unity

A significant hindrance to achieving Kalam's 2020 Vision has been the divisional policies that the current administration has embraced. The 'divide and rule' strategy, which focuses on exacerbating social and regional divides, has hindered national unity and progress. By fostering a sense of mistrust and dissatisfaction among certain sections of the population, these policies have not only failed to unite the country but also impeded the realization of long-term goals like a developed and superpower India.

The Path Forward: Lessons from Kalam's Legacy

To move closer to APJ Abdul Kalam's vision, it is essential to revisit his core principles of unity, progress, and inclusivity. Some actionable steps include:

Empowering marginalized communities through affirmative action policies Promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation Investing in education and healthcare to uplift the standard of living Encouraging collaboration and fostering a culture of innovation

Furthermore, it is vital to address the political friction and promote inter-religious harmony. APJ Kalam's unifying spirit should serve as an inspiration, reminding us to work towards a India that is not only economically prosperous but also socially cohesive and culturally rich.

Conclusion

APJ Abdul Kalam's 2020 Vision serves as a reminder of the potential India has to transform into a developed and superpower nation. While progress has been made, there is still a long way to go. By learning from Kalam's unifying legacy and addressing the challenges of divisiveness and regional disparities, India can embark on a path towards achieving its grand vision. It is up to us, as citizens and leaders, to ensure that Kalam's ideals continue to inspire and guide us in creating a more just, prosperous, and united India.