The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today released the book ‘Advantage India: Reshaping the Future for an Equitable World’, authored by Shri Anil K. Antony at Uprashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi.
Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan released ‘Advantage India: Reshaping the Future for an Equitable World’, authored by Shri Anil K. Antony, at Uprashtrapati Bhawan today. He highlighted India’s remarkable transformation, civilisational heritage, democratic traditions, technological advancements and growing global influence. Emphasising the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, he called upon young Indians to contribute actively to nation-building. Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India,Professor Ajay Sood; Economist and Member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council,Dr. Shamika Ravi; and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Congratulating the author and Rupa Publications on the publication, the Vice-President said that the book captures India’s remarkable transformation and explores the opportunities before the nation in a rapidly changing world. Drawing upon his experience in technology, business and public policy, Shri Antony examines India’s emerging strengths and its growing role in the international order, he noted.
Highlighting India’s unique strengths, the Vice-President said that the country’s civilisational heritage, democratic traditions, demographic dividend, growing economy, robust institutions and expanding technological capabilities together constitute its distinctive advantage.
The Vice-President highlighted the transformative journey of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, noting that more than 25 crore people have been lifted out of absolute poverty. He said that initiatives in education, housing, sanitation, healthcare and food security have enhanced the dignity and social security of millions of citizens.
Emphasising the importance of inclusive development, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said that the empowerment of women, youth, farmers and underprivileged sections remains central to India’s progress. The emergence of more than three crore Lakhpati Didis reflects the success of women-led development, he observed. He also highlighted the expansion of educational and healthcare infrastructure through new IITs, AIIMS, medical colleges and other higher educational institutions, alongside major improvements in connectivity through Vande Bharat trains, airports, highways and railway stations.
Recalling the evolution of technology in India, the Vice-President said that while the advent of computers had initially generated apprehension, India subsequently emerged as a global IT powerhouse. Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning present similar opportunities for the country today, he said, adding that leadership plays a crucial role in harnessing technology for societal progress.
Referring to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Vice-President said that India has made significant strides in indigenous manufacturing across sectors. Recalling his recent commissioning of INS Samarthak, an indigenous multipurpose vessel, he said that the achievement exemplifies the growing capabilities of India’s domestic defence production.
Turning to India’s expanding international role, the Vice-President observed that Indian diplomacy has undergone a significant transformation, characterised by greater engagement, growing influence and renewed confidence. He recalled India’s leadership during its G20 Presidency and its role in advancing the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world is one family. He also highlighted India’s contribution to the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 and its emergence as a voice for the Global South.
Emphasising that Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is more than a slogan and represents a guiding philosophy of Bharat, the Vice-President cited India’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that India not only undertook a nationwide vaccination drive but also extended life-saving vaccines to more than 100 countries, reflecting the country’s commitment to global solidarity and service to humanity.
The Vice-President emphasised that “Advantage India is Advantage to Humanity.” He stated that all sovereign countries are equal and must be treated equally. He said “Any new innovation or technological advancement should benefit the whole of humanity and should not remain the exclusive property of any one country”. He called for a more equitable approach to technological progress, ensuring that its benefits are shared for the collective welfare of humanity.
The Vice-President said that the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 is both an aspiration and a responsibility, requiring a collective commitment to the principle of Rashtra Pratham. Nation-building, he stressed, cannot be accomplished by the government alone and calls for the active participation of every citizen.
Expressing hope that the book would inspire young Indians to engage more deeply with technology, public policy, economics, international relations and nation-building, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan congratulated Shri Anil K. Antony and extended his best wishes to the author, publisher and everyone associated with the publication.
Professor Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India; Dr. Shamika Ravi, economist and Member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council; Shri Anil K. Antony, author; Shri Kapish Mehra, Managing Editor, Rupa Publications, diplomats and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.