Representatives from various sections of society came together at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, at a session titled “Jan Jan Ka Vishwas” to deliberate on how government policies and programmes have contributed to inclusive development during the last nine years. The session was held at the conference “National Conclave: 9 Saal – Seva, Sushasan, Gareeb Kalyan”, organized by Prasar Bharati. The panellists included Boxer Nikhat Zareen; Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui; Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF Representative to India; Nurse and Padma Shri awardee Shanti Teresa Lakra; Environmentalist Anil Prakash Joshi and Divya Jain, Co-founder Seekho. The session was moderated by journalist Richa Anirudh.
Khelo India has enabled Indian sporting talent to excel on the world stage: Nikhat Zareen
Indian boxer and 2-time world champion Nikhat Zareen told the audience that government’s flagship scheme Khelo India has given wings to Indian sports talent and enabled more young and talented Indians to excel in sports on the national and international stage. She also spoke about the transformative impact of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao in empowering girls and women like her.
Outlook towards girls has changed now, thanks to Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui recalled that transportation has become much easier over the years. Any youngster who wants to make it big has a lot of support systems to realize his or her dreams today, he said. Speaking of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, the actor said that the outlook and mindset towards the girl child has changed now, reflected in parents’ changed attitudes towards girls and in the achievements of women. The repressed voice of women for self-realization has now come out and society too is accepting it, he said.
“Government has done a fantastic job in making India relevant on the global stage”
Co-founder of Seekho, Divya Jain told the audience that women-led development is one big change which has happened. 7 crore women have joined Self Help Groups in the last nine years, she pointed out. The government schemes have been designed in a way which enables women to come forward. “There was a hesitation on the part of women to come forward, now, with women coming forward, the entire community comes forward and the entire society changes. This change is visible at the ground-level in the villages.”
Speaking as a startup entrepreneur, Divya Jain said that India witnessed the largest influx of FDI in the past year. “Today, India is relevant on the global stage. The government has done a fantastic job in making us relevant, we have made it clear that we need to take notice of our entrepreneurs and our youth, we are the ones who will define the future.”
“Ayushman Bharat has empowered citizens in hinterland as well”
Medical nurse, healthcare professional and Padma Shri awardee Shanti Teresa Lakra from Andaman & Nicobar Islands said that the wellness centres set up under Ayushman Bharat have been a significant step forward in empowering people. She said that the financial assistance being provided under the scheme is especially helpful for people such as those belonging to Scheduled Tribes who live in the hinterland and in interior forests. She said that while it is difficult to reach such people, progress under Digital India and outreach initiatives have helped improve the health of these people as well. This is reflected in increase in institutional deliveries, for example. She also said that building of bridge over the sea has improved road connectivity in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
“Government focusing on village growth, Bharat rather than India is moving forward”
Environmentalist Anil Prakash Joshi said that the nation is now thinking in terms of bringing in inclusive and ecologically conscious prosperity. He said that the Union Budget has begun to incorporate village growth and to lay focus on ecological infrastructure for the furtherance of a developed economy. He appreciated initiatives such as Catch the Rain and Soil Health and said that governance is sustainable only if it is participatory. He said that Bharat rather than India is moving forward, emphasizing the focus on development of villages.
“Startup India has helped our young and dynamic entrepreneurs flourish”
Executive Chairperson and founder of Biocon Limited and Biocon Biologics Limited, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, through a recorded video message, said that many transformational initiatives have been taken by the government, which have positively impacted the lives of people. She said that both Aarogya Setu and COWIN apps were path-breaking technologies which enabled us to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling the huge rollout of mass vaccinations on a digital platform. Speaking about Ayushman Bharat, she said that Jan Aushadhi Kendras have improved access to lifesaving medicine to many people. She said that we have many young and dynamic entrepreneurs, thanks to Startup India and to the support given to them by the government.
“National Education Policy helping holistic education”
UNICEF representative in India Cynthia Mc Caffrey said that the government of India conducted a National Achievements Survey, which looked at the system to understand what children are learning and what Indian students really know. “Based on that, the government created policies in order to reach individual students and make the education system stronger. What this leads to is that India has made an investment in foundational learning, ensuring also that we keep children at schools in a safe environment. Swachh Bharat Mission, Ayushman Bharat have all come together to be important parts of a child’s life and bring in convergence in learning. Schemes come together to make sure you have sanitation and nutrition. The government has laid focus on foundational learning with an innovative approach, with skilling through multiple pathways, enabling children to grow up healthy and helping them acquire 21st century skills.” She added that the emphasis given in National Education Policy on foundational learning, vocational education and entrepreneurial learning has empowered children, enabling them to get a holistic education.
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Dheep Joy Mampilly
