Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The phrase "Dreams which should not let India sleep" evokes a sense of urgent national purpose. It speaks to the unfulfilled potential of a nation brimming with demographic dividend and historical legacy. India, since its independence, has harbored several aspirations – a prosperous economy, a just society, a secure nation, and a global leader in innovation. However, these dreams remain partially realized, often hampered by systemic issues and emerging challenges. This essay will explore these critical dreams, analyzing the obstacles hindering their fulfillment and proposing strategies to ensure India remains relentlessly focused on achieving them.
The Dream of Economic Prosperity & Inclusive Growth
India aspires to be a $5 trillion economy, a global manufacturing hub, and a leader in digital innovation. However, this dream is threatened by several factors. Income inequality remains stark, with the top 10% holding nearly 77% of the nation’s wealth (World Inequality Report, 2023 - knowledge cutoff). Job creation hasn’t kept pace with the growing workforce, leading to widespread unemployment and underemployment. Furthermore, structural issues like land acquisition challenges, inadequate infrastructure, and bureaucratic hurdles impede investment and growth.
- Addressing the Skill Gap: Investing in vocational training and skill development programs aligned with industry needs is crucial.
- Promoting MSMEs: Providing access to credit, technology, and markets for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is vital for job creation.
- Infrastructure Development: Accelerating infrastructure projects through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and streamlining regulatory approvals.
The Dream of Social Justice & Equity
A truly developed India must ensure social justice for all its citizens, irrespective of caste, creed, gender, or religion. Despite constitutional guarantees, discrimination and inequality persist. Access to quality education, healthcare, and opportunities remains unevenly distributed. The dream of a truly egalitarian society is hampered by deeply ingrained social biases and systemic barriers.
Gender inequality is a particularly pressing issue. According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21), the sex ratio at birth remains skewed in many states. Similarly, marginalized communities continue to face systemic discrimination in access to resources and opportunities.
| Indicator | Value (NFHS-5, 2019-21) |
|---|---|
| Sex Ratio at Birth (National Average) | 929 girls per 1000 boys |
| Literacy Rate (Female) | 78.4% |
The Dream of Environmental Sustainability
India’s rapid economic growth has come at a significant environmental cost. Air and water pollution, deforestation, and climate change pose existential threats. The dream of a sustainable future requires a paradigm shift towards green technologies, responsible resource management, and a circular economy. India’s commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070 is a step in the right direction, but requires ambitious action across all sectors.
- Renewable Energy Transition: Investing heavily in solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources.
- Forest Conservation: Protecting existing forests and promoting afforestation initiatives.
- Pollution Control: Implementing stricter environmental regulations and promoting cleaner technologies.
The Dream of Good Governance & Institutional Reforms
Effective governance is the cornerstone of any successful nation. India’s dream of becoming a global power requires strengthening its institutions, improving transparency and accountability, and reducing corruption. Red tape, bureaucratic delays, and a lack of responsiveness continue to hinder progress. Digital governance initiatives like DigiLocker and Aadhaar have shown promise, but need to be scaled up and integrated effectively.
The Dream of National Security & Regional Stability
A secure and stable India is essential for realizing its other dreams. The country faces multiple security challenges, including cross-border terrorism, cyber threats, and geopolitical tensions. Strengthening its defense capabilities, enhancing intelligence gathering, and fostering regional cooperation are crucial for ensuring national security. The evolving geopolitical landscape necessitates a proactive and assertive foreign policy.
Conclusion
India’s dreams are ambitious, but not unattainable. Realizing them requires a sustained commitment to inclusive growth, social justice, environmental sustainability, good governance, and national security. It demands a collective effort from the government, the private sector, and civil society. India must not allow complacency to creep in; it must remain relentlessly focused on achieving its aspirations, ensuring that the dreams of today translate into the reality of tomorrow. A future where every Indian has the opportunity to live a life of dignity and fulfillment is not merely a dream, but a national imperative.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.