Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Friday released the book ‘Advantage India: Reshaping the Future for an Equitable World’, authored by Anil K. Antony, at Uprashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi. Emphasising that “Advantage India is Advantage to Humanity”, he said that all sovereign countries are equal and must be treated equally, and that innovations and technological advancements should benefit all humanity rather than remain the exclusive property of any one country.
Book Explores India’s Transformation and Emerging Global Role, says Radhakrishnan
Congratulating the author and Rupa Publications on the publication, the Vice-President said the book captures India’s remarkable transformation and examines the opportunities before the country in a rapidly changing world. Drawing on his experience in technology, business and public policy, Antony explores India’s emerging strengths and its growing role in the international order, he noted.
Highlighting India’s distinctive strengths, Radhakrishnan said the country’s civilisational heritage, democratic traditions, demographic dividend, growing economy, robust institutions and expanding technological capabilities together constitute its unique advantage.
Inclusive Development at the Heart of India’s Progress
The Vice-President highlighted India’s transformative journey under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that more than 25 crore people have been lifted out of absolute poverty. He said 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, Radhakrishnan said the empowerment of women, youth, farmers and underprivileged sections remains central to India’s progress. He cited the emergence of more than three crore Lakhpati Didis as a reflection of the progress of women-led development.
He also highlighted the expansion of educational and healthcare infrastructure through new IITs, AIIMS, medical colleges and other higher educational institutions. Improvements in connectivity through Vande Bharat trains, airports, highways and railway stations have further strengthened the country’s development, he said.
Emerging Technologies Offer New Opportunities
Recalling the evolution of technology in India, the Vice-President said the advent of computers had initially generated apprehension, but the country subsequently emerged as a global IT powerhouse. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning present similar opportunities for India today, he said, stressing that leadership plays a crucial role in harnessing technology for societal progress.
Radhakrishnan called for a more equitable approach to technological advancement, emphasising that innovation should serve the collective welfare of humanity and that its benefits should be shared widely.
Indigenous Manufacturing Strengthens Self-Reliance
Referring to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Vice-President said India has made significant strides in indigenous manufacturing across sectors. Recalling his recent commissioning of INS Samarthak, an indigenous multipurpose vessel, he said the achievement exemplifies the growing capabilities of the country’s domestic defence production.
India’s Global Engagement Reflects ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’
Highlighting India’s expanding international role, Radhakrishnan observed that Indian diplomacy has undergone a significant transformation, marked by greater engagement, growing influence and renewed confidence.
He recalled India’s leadership during its G20 Presidency and its promotion 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 conducted a nationwide vaccination drive while also extending life-saving vaccines to more than 100 countries, reflecting its commitment to global solidarity and service to humanity.
‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ Requires Collective Responsibility
The Vice-President said 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 requires 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, Radhakrishnan congratulated 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; Anil K. Antony, author; Kapish Mehra, Managing Editor of Rupa Publications; diplomats and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
-PIB Inputs
