India Today Conclave: Aroon Purie's call to action for 'India Movement'
The India Today Conclave 2024 with its rich tapestry of ideas and speakers was a forum for insightful discourse and visionary thinking
India Today Group Chairman and editor-in-chief Aroon Purie recently set the stage for the 21st edition of the India Today Conclave with a powerful welcome address, outlining his vision for propelling India into a future defined by progress and prosperity. Held in New Delhi on March 15-16, 2024, the Conclave gathered influential leaders and intellectuals to deliberate on India's trajectory on the global stage.
Purie commenced his address by declaring the theme of the previous year, "India Moment," as having evolved into something even greater – the "India Movement." He emphasized the need for ambition in sustaining this momentum, urging attendees to continually ponder the question, "What's next?"
In a comprehensive analysis of India's challenges and opportunities, Purie presented five transformative images of India's future. Firstly, he advocated for redefining the poverty line into a "Dignity Line," encompassing basic necessities such as housing, education, and healthcare. Applauding the government's efforts in poverty alleviation, he called for a concerted push towards eradicating multidimensional poverty.
Secondly, Purie highlighted the imperative of revolutionizing the education system, emphasizing the critical link between education and employability. Citing alarming statistics on learning outcomes and youth unemployment, he underscored the urgency of enhancing educational quality through innovative solutions, including AI-driven learning platforms.
Turning to healthcare, Purie underscored the necessity of expanding access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural areas. He outlined ambitious targets to reduce infant mortality rates and improve healthy life expectancy, emphasizing the transformative potential of AI in revolutionizing healthcare delivery.
Purie then shifted focus to India's manufacturing sector, advocating for a shift from "Make in India" to "Make better than the best in India." He envisioned India emerging as a global leader in manufacturing, leveraging advanced technologies and policy frameworks to capture a larger share of the global market.
In his final point, Purie addressed the moral and social imperatives of nation-building, emphasizing the importance of character alongside economic progress. He posed critical questions about India's social fabric and urged for a collective effort towards building a morally upright and socially conscious nation.
In his closing remarks, Purie echoed President Bill Clinton's call for India to become a "global giant of the right kind," emphasizing the need for ethical leadership and responsible citizenship in shaping India's future.
The India Today Conclave 2024, with its rich tapestry of ideas and speakers, was a forum for insightful discourse and visionary thinking as India charts its course towards a brighter tomorrow.
