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New Delhi : Anand Ranganathan , an acclaimed author and scientist delivering a thought-provoking keynote at FICCI Ladies Organisation’s (FLO) special session on “India’s Next Chapter: Youth, Values & Nation Building,” stressed on the need of youth to rethink the country’s approach to nation-building, asking a question that resonated throughout his address:“The real question is not whether our youth can build India. The question is whether we are giving them a nation to build—or a nation to rebuild.”
Addressing entrepreneurs, professionals and FLO members, Ranganathan said India has made extraordinary progress over the past decades in healthcare, literacy, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, digital transformation and economic development. He cited improvements in life expectancy, literacy rates, poverty reduction, startup growth, renewable energy, airports, highways and digital infrastructure as evidence of the country’s remarkable transformation.
However, he cautioned that economic achievements alone cannot define nation-building.“A nation is not built only through GDP growth or infrastructure. It is built by healthier, wiser, more adaptable citizens, stronger institutions and the courage to confront difficult realities,” he said.
Calling for greater civic responsibility, Ranganathan argued that nation-building is a shared responsibility. “Nation-building is not the responsibility of governments alone. It is a responsibility shared by every citizen, particularly the youth, who will inherit and shape the India of tomorrow,” he said.
One of the central themes of his address was the need for long-term, evidence-based policymaking. Highlighting agriculture and water security as among India’s biggest structural challenges, he called for reforms that improve productivity while safeguarding natural resources.
Discussing India’s ethanol blending programme, Ranganathan urged policymakers to carefully evaluate both economic and environmental consequences. Referring to ethanol production from water-intensive crops such as sugarcane and rice, he argued that public policy must balance energy security with sustainable water management.
“The role of the State is to create a healthier, wealthier, wiser and more adaptable workforce—not merely to govern it,” he remarked.
“India is at an extraordinary moment as it works towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. While we focus on economic growth, technology, innovation and global leadership, the more fundamental question is: what kind of Indians will build that India? A strong nation needs not only skilled people, but independent minds, informed citizens, strong institutions and the courage to question.” Said Ms Puja Garg ,National president , FICCI Ladies Organisation ( FLO)
“The responsibility of the present generation is not simply to tell young people what to think, but to teach them how to think. In a world shaped by artificial intelligence and social media, young people must learn to question, examine evidence, disagree respectfully, distinguish facts from noise and understand that freedom comes with responsibility.” Said Ms Garg
“FICCI FLO’s role goes beyond promoting women’s advancement. Its larger purpose is to enable women to participate meaningfully in India’s economic and social growth. When half the country participates fully in building the future, India itself becomes stronger. FLO also aims to create spaces where different generations can come together and discuss the issues shaping India’s future.” She said
Ultimately, Viksit Bharat requires Viksit citizens. India’s future by 2047 will not be defined merely by economic statistics or slogans, but by the character, capability and choices of the generation that inherits the country. The young people of today therefore have both the opportunity and responsibility to shape India’s next chapter.
Kriti Shroff, Past Chairperson, FLO , Kanpur Chapter was present on the occasion.