On the 77th anniversary of India’s Independence, we look at the various aspirations that define its people’s spirit. Exploring the hopes and dreams of Indians from all walks of life as they are passed down through generations. In our odyssey of diverse dreams, various personalities discuss their future visions for India, including what kind of India they want to see, be proud of, and live in after 2023.
"If you want to dream big, you must be able to aspire. I am convinced that an aspirational society is a true treasure for any country. I wanted everyone to achieve their goals through freedom and discipline. The ability to go out there in our chosen field and perform to the best of our abilities. I am extremely grateful to have this freedom, and it motivates me to protect it for future generations. If the goals are lofty, the efforts will be extensive. When everyone takes pride in the country’s rich heritage and culture, true liberation occurs. Let the spirit of the freedom struggle inspire everyone to strive for greater acclaim.”
Rashmika Mandanna, actress | ‘Where there’s freedom to dream and do’
The youth can change the world
The Indian subcontinent which is home for millions of people from mixed backgrounds and different walks of life. Unity in diversity is one of the major characteristics of Indian culture which makes it unique.
Indians managed to revive the nation despite scarcity and denigration, with unlimited potential to survive across centuries. India has an inherent potential of strong culture and values. Indians have emerged as an aspirational society. Every citizen of the country wants to change things with speed and progress. The aspirations of Indians have been diversified since generations.
It is fortunate that most of the individuals are making steps to reach their full potential for self-reliance/sustainability, which contributes to the collective progress of the country. The government’s initiatives make a platform even for underprivileged communities, to fulfil their dreams.
Envision for a better India would not only be in the advancement of modern science, technology and communication but to deeply root out the evils of corruption, poverty, ignorance and crimes. Every citizen should have access to quality education, healthcare, and job opportunities.
The young generation, considered as the future of our country, will change the fate of our nation by their inspirations. Their determination to start a new life with their love for India is inspirational and worth saluting. The dreams and hopes of the younger generation paving our country in a sustainable way for a better tomorrow.
We can achieve our goals once we are determined. We must move forward as a team to build better India.
Jai Hind!
IAS Dr G Lakshmisha, managing director and special officer of the Andhra Pradesh Urban Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation (APUFIDC)
Sowing seeds for the future
My goals for India are straightforward. We have a rich heritage and culture that no other country has. That is something we must pursue. Find the best way to reconcile new technologies with our culture. My ambitions for my country are not naive. I consider where India will be in 25 years. We must sow the seeds now in order for our children and future generations to reap the benefits. I am proud to see my country as the perfect blend of harmony, peace, educated, and liberated India. Desh sabse mahaan mera desh!
Actor and politician Khushbu Sundar
Stigma-free conversations on mental health
On this auspicious Independence Day, my dream for a better, progressive, and wonderful India is one where stigma-free conversations on mental health flourish, where seeking support and treatment is a fundamental right, and where the mental well-being of our youth is prioritized. Together, we will ensure that every youngster possesses a healthy mind and body, collectively illuminating India’s brilliance on the global stage. Let our dedication to nurturing not only our physical but also our emotional well-being be the driving force that propels our beloved nation towards a brighter, more compassionate future.
Dr. Neerja Birla, founder and chairperson Aditya Birla Education Trust and Mpower
Gender equality in the workplace
My aspirations for a better, progressive, and wonderful India revolve around fostering gender equality in business and promoting innovations that drive inclusive growth and opportunities for all.
Shilpa Datla, entrepreneur
Sports & culture: Connecting people together
To me, independence (freedom) is the ability to pursue your goals and express yourself. Sports and culture are forms of art that bring people together to achieve common goals. Only passion can inspire the necessary dedication, which is precisely the appeal of being free-spirited and independent. I consider myself fortunate because I have the opportunity to work in both professions (acting and sports) in one lifetime. Sport, from an artistic standpoint, is a source of highly credible content, with all the vicissitudes and human drama that can enrich films. There were few biopics after independence until the late 1980s, but several biopics on sporting heroes have been released in the last decade. I am pleased that athletes are treated equally with on-screen heroes; this demonstrates a rise in societal maturity as well as how our country is making rapid progress on a global scale.
Prachi Tehlan, actress and former India netball and basketball player
Freedom to express through dance
I couldn’t be more proud to be an Indian. Despite the fact that I was not born in the motherland, my connection to it through religion, culture, and the arts grew stronger over time. I am so grateful that, despite the fact that we only gained Independence in 1947, our centuries-old art forms have remained pure and authentic, allowing people like me who have worked to achieve a balance of the East and West the freedom to express not only ourselves but also to show the world our India in all her glory and forms. Throughout popular American culture, all aspects of Indian culture have manifested in various forms. Dance is one area in which our culture has made a significant contribution. There is also a vibrant cultural scene. Each dance also has a rich cultural background; regional and linguistic diversity make each dance unique and a sight to behold.
Chandrika Ravi, Australian actress, model and dancer of Indian origin
Prosperity for all
1 To see young people develop into the “best world citizens” by learning 21st-century skills.
2 Want them to be brand ambassadors for our age-old principles, which are based on the idea that “our prosperity lies in everyone’s prosperity,” resulting in healthy and sustainable competition and growth that will position India as a world leader economically, socially, spiritually, and culturally.
3 Want to see an India in which each of us respects our laws and rules, with a more mature understanding that “we will be respected by the world as it has shrunk only if we have and exhibit faith, take pride in our existence, history, and governance.” I am very proud to be an Indian.
Sumathi Badugula, IPS DIG, Women Safety Wing
— (Inputs from Ajuli Tulsyan, Anupama Subramanian, Sashidhar Adivi and Swati Sharma)
