There’s need for introspection over India’s insubstantial growth, says Shekhar Gupta

Senior journalist Shekhar Gupta on Monday, January 27, said India should aim for a growth rate exceeding 7% as the country did not witness substantial growth over the past decade. He added that this calls for introspection rather than self-congratulation.

Senior journalist Shekhar Gupta on Monday, January 27, said India should aim for a growth rate exceeding 7% as the country did not witness substantial growth over the past decade. He added that this calls for introspection rather than self-congratulation.

Delivering the 9th M.V. Kamath Memorial Endowment Lecture organised by the Manipal Institute of Communication (MIC) under Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Mr. Gupta praised the Narendra Modi government for its efficient distribution mechanisms for the poor. The system has significantly reduced corruption.

However, he said India appears to be stuck in a cycle of stagnation, with no substantial progress to showcase. He noted that the tendency to conflate domestic politics with international issues often detracts from meaningful development, as everything becomes focused on electoral gains. Mr. Gupta said Indians often assume a moral right to preach to the world, rooted in the strength of their ancient civilisation. However, the global order is undergoing significant redefinition, he said, and highlighted India and Tanzania as examples of multi-civilisational societies that have endured over time.

Mr. Gupta said India has grown stronger with each passing decade, both internally and externally, and has become more cohesive as a society. Stating social cohesion as a gift to the world, he said the Indian Constitution provides a legal framework compelling diverse communities to coexist peacefully. Criticising the country’s economic performance, Mr. Gupta said the growth anticipated during the Congress-era economic reforms was not sustained. While India initially positioned itself as a democratic alternative to China, it has now shifted to a narrative of cultural superiority.

He urged India to establish international platforms and let others tell its story instead of constantly narrating it domestically. He argued that criticism accompanying development should be ignored. Mr. Gupta also criticised the Citizenship Amendment Act, describing it as an unnecessary provocation.

MAHE Pro Vice-Chancellor Narayana Sabahith, Registrar Giridhar Kini, COO N.S. Raviraja and MIC Director Padma Rani were present.