Introduction Professor Amartya Sen, a Nobel laureate in economics and a leading authority on human development, has consistently emphasized that education and health are not just means to economic growth but central to human freedom, capability, and development. According to Sen, human capabilities—such as the ability to read, write, and access basic health services—are fundamental…
Introduction Poverty alleviation has been a central objective of India’s development strategy since Independence. From planned economic development to rights-based welfare schemes, successive governments have introduced numerous programmes aimed at reducing poverty, unemployment, and social deprivation. Despite these sustained efforts, poverty—particularly in its multidimensional form—continues to pose a serious challenge to inclusive growth and good…
Introduction In recent decades, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as one of the most significant grassroots institutions in India’s development landscape. From microfinance and livelihood generation to social empowerment and local governance, SHGs today play a multifaceted role in addressing developmental challenges. Their rapid proliferation has led to the argument that the growing prominence of…
Introduction Good governance is not merely about efficient administration or robust institutions; it is ultimately judged by its ability to ensure a dignified life for all citizens. In India, despite decades of planned development and democratic governance, hunger and poverty continue to remain among the most serious challenges to good governance. These problems undermine human…
Introduction The status of persons with disabilities (PwDs) in any society reflects the depth of its commitment to equality, justice, and human dignity. For long, disability in India was viewed largely through a charity-based or medical lens, resulting in social exclusion, limited access to opportunities, and systemic discrimination. Recognizing the need for a rights-based framework,…
Introduction Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) form the foundation of public health, human dignity, and sustainable development. In a country like India, where population pressure, socio-economic inequality, and environmental stress intersect, WASH interventions are not merely infrastructure projects but instruments of social transformation. Over the years, India has launched several ambitious WASH-related initiatives, including sanitation…
Introduction India is at a crucial demographic juncture. With more than 65% of its population below the age of 35, the country possesses what is often described as a demographic dividend. However, this dividend can easily turn into a demographic burden if the youth are not adequately skilled, employable, and economically productive. Despite significant expansion…
Introduction India’s journey in space science and technology is a story of vision, innovation, and self-reliance. From its modest beginnings in the 1960s to becoming a globally recognized spacefaring nation, India has leveraged space technology not only for scientific exploration but also for socio-economic development. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), established in 1969 under…
Introduction Air travel in India has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last two decades. With the liberalization of the aviation sector, rapid economic growth, and increasing international connectivity, Indian airports now handle millions of passengers annually. As the world’s third-largest aviation market (after the U.S. and China), India faces the dual challenge of ensuring…
Introduction India is a land of knowledge traditions, where philosophy, science, literature, and spirituality have been preserved in written form for over two millennia. Ancient manuscripts written on palm leaves, birch bark, handmade paper, and copper plates are a testimony to India’s intellectual journey. These manuscripts cover diverse fields such as Vedic literature, Ayurveda, astronomy,…