In recent announcements, India has set its sights on ambitious decadal goals, ranging from hosting the 2036 Olympics to launching the “Bharatiya Antariksha Station” by 2035. These announcements, part of a broader vision for a developed India by 2047, have sparked a lively public debate, with some questioning the prioritisation of such aspirational targets over immediate developmental needs.

A Common Thread: Dreaming Big for India

Embedded within these seemingly diverse announcements is a recurring theme that echoes sentiments expressed several years ago. The emphasis on dreaming big and setting audacious goals to propel national progress was articulated in a speech that highlighted the importance of dreaming beyond limitations.

Cultural Shift Needed for Decadal Success

Realising these ambitious goals requires more than just announcements; it demands a significant cultural shift within the government machinery. The machinery needs to embrace innovation and experimentation, traits that have often been stifled in the past. The resistance to reforms in previous decades has created a culture skeptical of innovations and resistant to change.

Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Reforms: Nurturing Startups

Encouragingly, recent reforms in sectors like space and drones, coupled with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, signal a positive shift. These reforms have opened doors for Indian startups, allowing them to compete against established multinational players. However, sustaining this momentum requires ongoing support across various emerging technologies.

Racing in the Technological Frontier

As the global race for advanced technologies like AI and quantum computing intensifies, India must set comprehensive decadal goals across various domains. It”s not just about setting goals but also creating a robust public-private ecosystem that identifies and nurtures indigenous startups.

Lessons from Global Technological Advances

Recent developments, such as China”s success in developing a homegrown silicon chip, underscore the importance of indigenous technology development. Ambitious goals to design and fabricate mobile chips in India, coupled with creating an AI-powered mobile device conversant in Indian languages, can foster innovation and competition with global technology giants.

Beyond Tech: Comprehensive Goals for India

Ambitious decadal goals must extend beyond technology, encompassing diverse domains like electric vehicles, battery storage systems, and bio-engineering. A strategic and comprehensive calendar of technological goals is essential if India aims to realise the vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

While the recent announcements have ignited enthusiasm and debate, the path to achieving these decadal goals requires not just vision but a commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and a supportive ecosystem for startups. As India navigates the technological frontier, setting and achieving these ambitious goals will be instrumental in shaping its trajectory over the next decade and beyond.