The very concept of Vikshit Bharat derives its succor from the key slogan Eik Bharat Shresth Bharat. It further derives its genesis from Sangh’s cardinal principle of “Samajik Samrasta” rooted in the fact that where harmony thrives, a nation rises. The vision is based on  four pillars : Yuva (Youth) , Gareeb (Poor), Mahilayen (Women) and Annadata (Farmers). The upliftment of these communities shall boost economic growth; it shall create social harmony. Undoubtedly, social harmony is the first step towards a Vikshit Bharat.

Tulsi Das writes in the Ramcharitmanas,

“Jahan sumati, tahan sampati nana,
jahan kumati thahan vipati nidhana”,

meaning, prosperity thrives in, where lies harmony but disharmony spells many misfortunes.

No man is an island, and he is organically integrated with the society, tied with the threads of harmony. Can we think of a nation as strong, developed and prosperous without social harmony? The answer is, no we can never think of a strong and prosperous society without social harmony. A nation’s progress is not built merely on economic indicators, technological advancements, or infrastructural accomplishments. Social harmony (Samajik Samrasta) works as a synergetic force to achieve economic development and growth. These goals can be achieved in a harmonious environment where people live together with mutual love and understanding, learn to respect each other with common objectives and a sense of shared collective destiny.

For a country like India which is multi religious, multi-cultural, multilingual with rich heritage of diversity, social harmony is not just a moral aspiration, but it is the basic foundation on which the vision of Vikshit Bharat must stand. History teaches us that social harmony is crucial to national integrity and unity. India has always cherished inclusive ethos of “vasudhaiva kutumbakam” and “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah”. All socio-cultural and religious congregations end with the prayer of wellbeing of the whole host of humanity with a sense of social harmony. One can discern the synergy of these words getting translated into symphony of the soul, “Dharma  ki vijay ho, adharma ka nash ho, praniyon mein sadbhavana ho, vishva ka Kalyann ho”. (Let righteousness prevail, let unrighteousness perish, let harmony prevail among all souls and may the entire universe gets enlightened with a sense of wellbeing). This is unique to Indian traditions and ethos where society precedes the self. We are organically integrated, synergistically augmented to forge the bond of fraternity and unity. These ideas emphasize unity in diversity, peaceful coexistence (Jain’s philosophy of “live and let live”) and the universal welfare. In today’s fast changing world, social harmony becomes more critical as cementing the divisive forces and acting as adhesive that binds the nation through change, challenges and transformation.

Social Harmony, the foundation of Vikshit Bharat

No society can develop on the garbage of discord and disharmony. Social harmony is prerequisite condition for development. A society that lives in collaboration, with mutual sense of collaboration, trust and cooperation, and resolve the internal differences peacefully can focus on the larger goals without wasting its energy on petty issues. Here the synergy of social harmony concentrates on growth rather than conflict management. Social harmony ensures unity of purpose, making the citizens to work together towards collective goals: education, economic excellence, scientific growth and a state of art infrastructure, cultural enrichments. It helps in nurturing such ecosystem that attracts foreign investments and interstate investments. The Naxal prone areas in Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, MP, and Chhattisgarh have been glaring examples of negligence by the investors in the previous decades. Development thrives where peace prevails. Economic growth through social cohesion attracts investors, entrepreneurship and strengthens local economies. Different communities work together with enhanced productivity, creativity and resilience. Social harmony also lowers the burden on security and administrative machinery, allowing resources to be channeled toward developmental activities such as infrastructure, research, innovation and welfare.

Promoting Good Governance 

Maintaining trust in institutions, upholding civic responsibility and adhering to duties as citizens can strengthen democracy and promote good governance. Good governance also prepares the soil for social harmony by restoring people’s faith in the government institutions. A socially harmonious atmosphere fosters the participation of the people, encourages public accountability, and strengthens governance. In the absence of discomfort and disharmony, transparency grows and division and distrust diminish, ensuring a healthy relationship between society and the state. In an ideal situation like this production, marketing and growth may multiply making MSEM, START UPS and other companies to add to the capital of the nation. Lalu Yadav’s misgovernance which earned the epithet of “Jungle Raj” is an example in case wherein economic developments reached its nadir. Therefore, economic growth is co-terminus with social harmony.

Cultural Integration and National Identity

India’s multiculturalism and multilingualism is a treasure that forges unity and enriches identity. This diversity is unified by the common thread which is the spirit and soul of all variations with different chords of tunes but melting them in symphony what we call Indian ethos. When festivals, dances and songs are celebrated jointly it deepens the sense of unity resonating “Eik Bharat, Shresth Bharat”. Cultural differences become various notes put in the symphony of Indianness. Regional pride may be a weakness but living and celebrating diversity is the strength which spells our national identity in the broader sense of the term. In other words, India’s cultural diversity strengthens when celebrated harmoniously.

Social Harmony and Social Justice 

Can we move on the road of Vikshit Bharat by neglecting these two pillars enshrined within the framework of Indian constitution? Probably, we can never envisage social harmony without social justice therefore the vision of Vikshit Bharat will be merely a myth. Social justice is based on the principles of equality ensuring that all individuals have equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources like health, wealth and education irrespective of their caste or creed. Justice means that all citizens of India shall avail equality in terms of social and economic rights and no discrimination shall be done to anyone. Undoubtedly, Indian constitution maintains the spirit and ethos of social harmony. The constitution upholds the dignity of an individual and believes that inclusive development can occur only in the congenial environment of social justice and harmony. It is expected to reduce the disparities in the rural and tribal areas to ensure equal opportunities for women, marginalized communities and deprived sections of the society. Social harmony cannot blossom without social justice. They need to be harnessed in the economic growth of the country so that they feel that they have a sense of participation. Any society where everyone feels acknowledged and dignified naturally that society moves toward unity and growth. The success of the vision of Vikshit Bharat depends on the inclusive growth of every segment of society. 

Education and Youth 

India has the largest population of youth in the world. They need to be empowered with education and latest research and innovations in various fields. Educational institutions must realize how to nurture the learners with a sense of empathy and professionalism. It is duty of teachers at schools and colleges to train them to be professional and responsible citizens of the country. The youth of India will play a key role in making Bharat a Vikshit Bharat by 2047. They must grow as responsible citizens, shedding off the barriers of caste, community and regional feelings. Social harmony ensures that every young mind must feel valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully to nation’s development. 

The Crucial Role of Technology in Shaping Vikshit Bharat

Technology plays a vital role in the vision of Vikshit Bharat by 2047, playing a transformative role across various sectors to foster inclusive growth, and social harmony. The strategic deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, 5 G, and biotechnology has already accelerated India’s journey towards this goal. Key roles of technology in Vikshit Bharat include  AI driven technology in economic growth and innovation, in Agriculture AI driven advanced technologies, IoT sensors and digital advisory tools have improved crop management, and these reduce the cost of input thus raising the income of the farmers. Technological assistance integrated with Government’s schemes and digital platforms such as DIKSHA and SWAYAM, combined with AI powered personalized and immersive technologies like VR/AR, can revolutionize education accessibility and quality. Skill Development programs prepare the work force for future job markets.

In the field of healthcare revolutionary changes have been brought in India with technological aids. Digital health initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission integrate health records for efficient service delivery. Biotechnological innovations improve vaccines and treatments aiming to health care for all. Besides, technological tools have played a crucial role in industry, space and telecommunication. While these technological breakthroughs have accelerated the pace of Vikshit Bharat, these have also enabled Bharat to become Atmanirbhar. The inclusive policies of Government backed by “Sabka saath, sabka vikas” have created social harmony in every walk of life.

Conclusion

The vision of Vikshit Bharat  is not only responsibility of Government but it is a collective responsibility which requires active participation of every citizen of India. Social harmony is the moral and strategic force that resolves our commitment to our nation. Rising above the divisive walls of animosity, ideology, prejudices, we have to create an ecosystem which fosters growth with equity, harmony with justice and technology with welfare inspired by timeless Indian ethos “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah”. Social harmony teaches us to choose dialogue over division, respect over reprimand, integrity over fragmentation. Social harmony plays a role of catalyst in building India of future, tall, strong, prosperous and self-reliant. Let India rise to the pinnacle of glory crowned as Vikshit Bharat.