India's vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, known as 'Viksit Bharat', is increasingly challenged by pressing issues such as job shortages, unsettled borders, and deteriorating civic infrastructure. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has called for unity and collective effort in pursuing this vision, while recent reports indicate a troubling trend of youth migration and significant deficits in essential public services [f6bfa1d2][5faa79e5].
At the Surat LitFest 2025, Army Vice Chief Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani emphasized the critical need for India to address job shortages and the human development index to achieve its goals. He pointed out that resolving internal issues in Jammu and Kashmir, the Northeast, and left-wing extremism is vital for fostering social harmony and stability [383f9fb8]. This sentiment aligns with the Ministry of External Affairs' report of 1.4 million youth migrations in 2024, with projections suggesting this number could reach 2 million by 2025, raising concerns about the future workforce and potential brain drain as 4,300 Indian millionaires are expected to migrate by the end of 2024 [5faa79e5].
In addition to youth migration, India faces a healthcare space deficit of 2 billion square feet and requires an additional 2.4 million hospital beds to meet the growing demand [5faa79e5]. The decline in foreign student enrollment in Indian universities is also alarming, with revenue from education-related travel plummeting from $519 million to $247 million. This decline is concerning, especially as Indian students' projected spending abroad could reach $70 billion by 2025 [5faa79e5].
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has initiated various programs aimed at fostering development, including the Purvodaya plan for Eastern India, the challenges of youth migration, job shortages, and inadequate civic infrastructure remain pressing issues that require immediate attention [11309e82]. The Purvodaya initiative, which aims to enhance infrastructure and educational opportunities in Eastern states, is crucial for reversing the trend of youth leaving the country [78551c3e].
Dhankhar's call for unity and focus resonates with experts who argue that addressing these vulnerabilities is essential for India's economic prospects. As the elderly population is projected to surpass children by 2050, the need for a robust healthcare system and educational reforms becomes even more critical [5faa79e5].
In summary, while India strives towards its 'Viksit Bharat' vision, the interplay of youth migration, job shortages, healthcare deficits, and educational challenges poses significant hurdles. A comprehensive approach that addresses these vulnerabilities will be vital for realizing the nation's developmental goals and ensuring a prosperous future for its youth [8fc41f3][f6bfa1d2].