This book paints a bold and inspiring scenario of India becoming an affluent society by 2039, that is, within a generation from now. It makes a persuasive case as to why such a scenario could be plausible. Even more importantly, the book very appropriately and frankly assess the many hurdles – political, social, policy and institutional – that the country must overcome to realize this vision and lift millions of Indians from relative poverty today to enjoy the fruits of a modern and inclusive affluent society within 30 years or so. Its agenda of inter-generational issues is central to India avoiding the middle income trap that so many other countries have fallen into. However, India can successfully tackle this trap only by addressing, and addressing urgently and head on, the various facets of governance highlighted in the book.
Features unique to this study – unlike other vertical studies that treat a topic in depth but on its own, this book tries to connect the dots between the key issues that could decide the future of Indian society – it has a longer 30-year perspective, with a corresponding emphasis on challenges that require long gestation to address – it offers a projection not of what will be but of what India’s potential is.
Editorial Reviews
Review
It is particularly well timed, not because India`s transition to high growth is now widely acknowledged, but because it provides a warning of the danger of this growth sputtering out if India gets enmeshed in what the study calls “the middle income trap.” — Montek Singh Ahluwalia
This is a remarkable book in terms of process as well as product…The product is impressive. Instead of an obsessive (and often ritualistic) focus on poverty by the elite in India, the book focuses on affluence: How can India become an affluent society within one generation? This is where the elite can honestly work for… [The book] presents long-term perspectives of an affluent India.
— South Asia Economic Journal
This visionary and thought-provoking study is a must read for political leaders, policymakers, business executives, and leaders of civic society interested in India`s long-term development. — Bimal Jalan
This report makes a valuable contribution to identifying the priorities and policy prescriptions which will be necessary for the Indian economy to realize its full promise. — Ratan Tata
About the Author
Harinder S. Kohli is the Founding Director and Chief Executive of the Emerging Markets Forum as well as Founding Director, President, and CEO of Centennial Group International, both based in Washington, DC. He is the Editor of Global Journal of Emerging Markets Economies. Prior to starting his current ventures, he served over 25 years in various senior managerial positions at the World Bank. He has written extensively on the emergence of Asia, Latin America, Africa, and other emerging market economies, financial development, private capital flows, and infrastructure. He is an author and co-editor of India 2039: An Affluent Society in One Generation (2010), (2010), A Resilient Asia amidst Global Financial Crisis (2010), Islamic Finance (2011), Asia 2050: Realizing the Asian Century (2011), and A New Vision for Mexico 2042: Achieving Prosperity for All (2012). He led Centennial Group teams that helped ADB and CAF develop their long term corporate strategies. Mr. Kohli is currently leading a year-long EMF study on the long term prospects and challenges faced by emerging market economies worldwide.
Please contact Prof Harinder Kohli at
Centennial Group 2600 Virginia Ave NW Suite 201. Washington D.C. 20037 Email:
harinder@centennial-group.comAnil Sood, in his 30-year career at the World Bank, occupied many senior positions including Vice President, Strategy and Resource Management, and Special Advisor to the Managing Directors. He has since advised chief executives and senior management of a number of development organizations including the African Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, and the United Nations Economic Commission of Africa, on matters of strategy and development effectiveness.
Please contact Prof Anil Sood at Centennial Group 2600 Virginia Ave NW Suite 201. Washington D.C. 20037 Email:
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