IIM Rohtak symposium examines strategic, techno-economic and social challenges to Viksit Bharat 2047

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Rohtak hosted the National Symposium 2025 on December 20, 2025, focusing on the theme ‘Perspectives on India’s Quest for Viksit Bharat 2047.’ The event aimed to address the economic and technological dimensions of India’s growth story and brought together over 20 distinguished speakers from various fields.

Panel Discussions

The symposium featured three main panel discussions that focused on:

• Countering Strategic Security Challenges
• Techno-Economic Challenges
• Socio-Political Challenges

Each panel included experts from diverse backgrounds, including retired generals of the Indian Army, representatives from United Nations bodies, senior advocates from the Supreme Court of India, and Chief Technology Officers from corporate organizations.

Opening Session: Countering Strategic Security Challenges

The opening session was moderated by Lt Gen AK Singh (Retd), former Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Notable panelists included:

• Lt Gen Philip Campose (Retd), former Vice Chief of the Indian Army
• Meera Shankar, independent director and former ambassador of India to the United States and Germany
• Col Ashwani Sharma (Retd), founder of South Asia Defense & Strategic Review
• Rami Niranjan Desai, anthropologist and distinguished fellow at India Foundation
• Shikhil Suri, senior advocate, Supreme Court of India

During the discussion, the panelists explored the multidimensional nature of national security. They emphasized that national security must be rooted in the well-being of citizens and the country’s social cohesion. Meera Shankar highlighted the importance of economic self-reliance in a contested global environment, while Lt Gen AK Singh (Retd) underscored the necessity for robust internal and external security preparedness as a foundation for national prosperity.

Furthermore, Lt Gen Philip Campose (Retd) pointed out that true security is defined by development and human well-being, rather than just military strength. The discussion also focused on India’s role within the Global South, emphasizing the need for deeper engagement with developing regions across South Asia, Africa, and Latin America through trade, connectivity, and economic partnerships.

Panel Discussion: Countering Techno-Economic Challenges

The second panel discussion addressed the economic and technological dimensions of India’s growth. Leaders from technology, finance, and industry gathered to discuss sustainable, innovation-driven development. Key points included:

• The need to move beyond merely deploying digital public connectivity networks to effectively utilizing existing infrastructure.
• Building resilient, AI-enabled supply chains.
• Translating academic research into scalable commercial innovation.
• Future-proofing the workforce against automation-led disruptions.
• Protecting data sovereignty and cybersecurity amid rapid digitalization.

The panelists stressed that leveraging technology effectively is crucial for India’s sustainable growth and development in the coming years.

Panel Discussion: Countering Socio-Political Challenges

The final panel focused on the social and institutional foundations of development. It brought together voices from law, civil society, and global institutions to discuss governance, inclusivity, and social cohesion. The panel highlighted several critical issues, including:

• Addressing population ageing and persistent gender divides.
• Mitigating intersectional inequalities to ensure inclusive growth.
• Establishing responsive institutions and inclusive social frameworks.

The discussions underscored the importance of navigating these socio-political challenges to achieve sustainable national development as India progresses toward its long-term vision for Viksit Bharat 2047.

Concluding Remarks

Prof Dheeraj Sharma, director of IIM Rohtak, anchored his address around three core standpoints. He noted that attempts to strengthen global security often create paradoxical dilemmas, where nations must ‘run as fast as they can just to stay in the same place,’ leading to greater complexity rather than simplicity. He emphasized that heavy investments in weapons do not necessarily translate into competitive advantages.

Prof Sharma also pointed out the techno-economic tensions arising from the rapid digital push, highlighting the conflict between digital and financial literacy and the exposure of vulnerable populations to economic risks. He advocated for superior strategies to leverage fintech and emphasized that India’s journey towards becoming a developed and mature nation must be rooted in self-reliance, domestic production, and a citizen-led integrated approach.

The symposium concluded with a call for collective action and collaboration among various stakeholders to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, encapsulating the essence of a developed India.

Note: The insights shared during the symposium reflect the collective vision of experts and stakeholders committed to India’s growth and development as it moves towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.