The Question: Will India Become a Superpower?

The aspiration to become a global superpower is a natural ambition for any country, especially one as populous and culturally rich as India. With a population of nearly 1.4 billion and a rich history, India has the potential to rise to great heights. However, the path to such a status is complex and fraught with challenges.

India's Macro Prospects

On a macro level, India has several factors in its favor. In terms of military power, economic strength, and space exploration, India has made significant strides. The country's space agency, ISRO, has achieved remarkable feats, including placing indigenous satellites in orbit and undertaking Mars and lunar missions.

Politically, India has shown resilience and adaptability. India has a vibrant democracy, despite some criticisms, and it has maintained its political stability in the face of numerous challenges. The country's leadership, including PM Narendra Modi and former PM Manmohan Singh, have made significant contributions to India's international standing.

However, on a micro level, the story is different. Issues relating to infrastructure, urban development, and governance create significant hurdles. Indian cities often suffer from severe congestion, poor sanitation, and inadequate planning. There is a pressing need for sustainable urban development and infrastructure reform to address these challenges.

The Roadblocks: Urban and Infrastructure Challenges

Urban areas in India are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people, leading to severe infrastructure challenges. Cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata are notoriously congested and lack proper planning. This has led to a decline in the quality of life for millions of Indians living in these urban centers.

The Indian government has indicated an intention to build new cities to address this issue. These proposed cities, with proper planning and infrastructure, could potentially improve the living standards of millions of Indians. However, the implementation of such plans is crucial, and the track record of past initiatives has been mixed.

The infrastructure crisis in India is palpable. The Indian Railways, despite providing one of the most extensive railway networks in the world, faces severe issues such as overcrowding and delays. The nation's highways and road networks also face similar challenges, hampering economic growth and connectivity.

Economic Potential and Hindustani Influence Abroad

Despite these challenges, there are grounds for optimism. The IT sector, for instance, has produced a significant number of successful startups and multinational corporations. Indians, particularly those from the IT and tech industries, have made substantial contributions to global businesses, including Google, Adobe, and other major tech firms.

Further, the appointment of Indian-origin leaders in foreign countries, such as former British Prime Minister Theresa May's partnerчкин, and US Senator Kamala Harris, have brought attention to India's influence in the political sphere.

Internally, there has been some progress, but the economy still faces significant obstacles. Issues such as corruption, bureaucratic red tape, and lack of innovation in certain sectors, particularly the textile industry, have hampered economic growth.

The Decisive Factors: Education and Governance

Education is another critical area where India needs to focus. The Indian educational system is often criticized for being rote-based and not fostering innovation. To become a superpower, India must invest in research and development, and ensure that its education system is geared towards producing globally competitive graduates.

Governance is also a significant factor. The Indian political system, though vibrant, is marred by corruption and inefficiencies. Reforms are essential to ensure that the government operates more effectively and with greater transparency.

The recent performance in international competitions, such as the 2024 Paris Olympics, highlights the need for significant improvements in preparedness and crisis 's performance in the Olympics, despite having a large population, does not reflect the nation's potential. The dismal medal tally and the issue of weight classes illustrate the gap between potential and execution.

Moreover, the burgeoning population of more than 800 million people, which is more than half of the total population, depends on 5 kilograms of free rations to survive, further emphasizing the socio-economic challenges facing India.

The Way Forward

India has a golden opportunity to become a global superpower, but it must address its internal challenges head-on. Improving urban infrastructure, reforming the education system, and strengthening governance will be crucial. Additionally, creating new, sustainable cities with proper planning could provide a fresh start for millions of Indians.

While the journey to superpower status is long and arduous, the potential is there. With consistent and deliberate efforts, India can overcome its current challenges and lay the foundation for a glorious future.