ThinkEdu 2026: Important to recognise India’s progress, says former IIM Bangalore professor
On March 2, 2026, Dr. R. Vaidyanathan, a former professor at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore, delivered a compelling address at the ThinkEdu Conclave 2026, organized by The New Indian Express. His discussion focused on the theme “Advantage Bharat: Technology, Economy and Demography as Growth Drivers.” The session was moderated by Santwana Bhattacharya, the Editor of The New Indian Express.
India’s Growth: Durable, Deep, and Inclusive
During the conclave, Dr. Vaidyanathan emphasized the importance of recognizing India’s remarkable progress over the past two decades. He highlighted that the nation’s growth has been both phenomenal and globally acknowledged. According to Dr. Vaidyanathan, one of the most significant indicators of this progress is the substantial reduction in poverty levels. He noted that the poverty rate in India has decreased from 25% to 10% based on global metrics.
“There has been a tremendous amount of change in the last 20 years; it is important that we recognize it,” he declared, underscoring the need for a collective acknowledgment of India’s advancements.
Strategic Alignment: Population, Policy, and Productivity
Dr. Vaidyanathan discussed the critical alignment between population, policy, and productivity as essential components for sustainable growth. He argued that for India to continue its upward trajectory, these elements must work in harmony. The former professor pointed out that technological advancements and governance reforms have played a pivotal role in facilitating this alignment.
Technological Advancements
In his address, Dr. Vaidyanathan cited several technological innovations that have contributed to India’s growth story. He mentioned the transition from offline ticketing systems to online booking platforms, which have streamlined processes and made life easier for citizens. This shift not only enhances convenience but also reduces opportunities for corruption, thereby improving governance.
Fiscal Reforms and Key Figures
Dr. Vaidyanathan also reflected on the historical figures who have shaped India’s fiscal landscape. He paid tribute to Asim Dasgupta, an economist and former member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, who was instrumental in the formation of a uniform taxation system in India. Dasgupta’s efforts in conducting a survey on sales tax laid the groundwork for the Goods and Services Tax (GST), a significant reform in the Indian taxation system.
The Emergence of UPI
Another major highlight of Dr. Vaidyanathan’s discussion was the emergence of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transaction system. He praised UPI for its transformative impact on digital transactions in India, stating that the country now accounts for 45% of the total number of global online transactions. This statistic underscores India’s position as a leader in the digital payment space.
Anecdote on UPI
In a lighter moment, Dr. Vaidyanathan shared an anecdote about his interaction with a beggar in Mumbai who sought alms through UPI. This story illustrated the widespread adoption of digital payment methods across various segments of society, highlighting how technology is permeating every aspect of life in India.
Artificial Intelligence and Employment
When discussing the future of work in the context of rapid technological advancements, Dr. Vaidyanathan addressed concerns regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on jobs. He expressed a confident outlook, stating, “AI will not take away jobs; people will devise ways to work around artificial intelligence.” This perspective suggests that rather than replacing human labor, AI will augment it, leading to new opportunities and innovations in the workforce.
Conclusion
Dr. Vaidyanathan’s insights at the ThinkEdu Conclave 2026 provided a comprehensive overview of India’s progress and the factors contributing to its growth. His emphasis on recognizing the achievements in poverty reduction, technological advancements, and fiscal reforms highlights the importance of a collective acknowledgment of the nation’s development. As India continues to navigate its path toward becoming a global powerhouse, understanding the interplay of technology, economy, and demography will be crucial for sustained growth.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the address given by Dr. R. Vaidyanathan at the ThinkEdu Conclave 2026 and reflects his views on India’s progress and future prospects.
