India is a Civilization, not just a Nation. I firmly believe this perspective allows us to have a more truer sense of who we are and our evolution process. And this civilization, this India, Our India,  is now taking “centre stage” as global tectonic plates are shifting.

Three very quick points – for  I am sure our distinguished speakers will bring deep insights and perspectives on this subject:

# Cultural Leadership:   In this era of globalization, economic growth and nation building, our “Cultural values” and our “Cultural identity” plays a far more important role than it has ever did in the history of our nation. We are raising the bar as a nation. And Our partners, our neighbors and other nations around the world, are looking at us for not just economic progress, but also, to provide the cultural leadership and heritage which India has been long known for. This is our uniqueness as well. But the greater uniqueness is we are one of the “youngest nation” in the world with 78 crores under age of 35 !  I am not sure how many true icons we have offered  this generation  in the past many decades. This generation is  restless, bright, hardworking,  ambitious,  and capable of taking on the world. But if their energy is not guided and harnessed well, it might cannibalize also. Lack of role models past three to four decades is forcing younger generation to be ambivalent and probably take on paths and beliefs that may not lead to happier lives.

# Sustainable growth : True growth and progress  is one that is first sustainable,  and includes economic  and cultural growth.  Happiness Index, emotional quotient are not just buzz words. They truly convey that sustainable growth mandates cultural and economic growth.  

# Responsibility: Success must come with a deep sense of Responsibility. I believe this is what Tagore meant in his Geetanjali lines when he said   Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high. He talks about this  Responsibility, this sense of ethical living,this sense of embracing unity in our diverse culture,  that has been the founding stone of our Civilization, otherwise called India.

Friends, I leave you with these thoughts and I am truly happy to see us commemorate Rabindranath Tagore, the great  poet who symbolized  meaningful art, artistic life, progressive consciousness, peace and humanity.

Thank you very much for your time.