OECD’s latest declaration that India will remain the fastest-growing major economy in the coming years, This projection raises important questions—questions not just for policymakers and economists, but for every citizen seeking to understand whether this “growth” is more than just a headline.
Let’s be honest. We’ve been hearing it for a while now—”India is the next big thing.” And yes, a 6.3% growth projection in a world where most economies are crawling forward is a strong signal. But beyond that number lies a much deeper question: growth for whom?
Growth Feels Real. But It Also Feels Uneven.
There’s no doubt things have changed. Roads are smoother, digital payments are mainstream, and even tier-2 cities are buzzing with startups and cranes. But there’s also the growing price of onions, the rising cost of schooling, and young graduates still wandering from interview to interview. That’s the paradox—we’re booming, but not everyone feels the boom equally.
The infrastructure push is real. Investment is coming. India is attracting global attention not just because it’s big, but because it’s ready. Still, if you walk into rural India or underdeveloped urban pockets, this “growth” feels distant. And that worries me.
In a Slow World, India Has the Mic
The OECD report comes at a time when global giants like the US and China are wrestling with internal slowdowns. India, in contrast, looks young, hungry, and forward-moving. And that gives us something rare: credibility.
We’re not just the world’s back office anymore. We’re slowly becoming its boardroom.
But with the spotlight comes responsibility. The world isn’t just watching what we achieve—it’s watching how we do it. Are we building an inclusive economy? Are we serious about skilling our youth? Are we protecting the environment while laying highways?
Growth is Not Just a Government Job
Here’s an unpopular opinion: we expect too much from governments. Growth isn’t just about budgets and policies. It’s about citizen contribution. Are we building ethical businesses? Are we investing in our employees? Are we encouraging creativity over compliance in our classrooms?
India’s growth needs to become a movement—not just a ministry-led mission. Because long-term progress demands more than high GDP—it demands a shift in how we think, act, and care.
Bottom Line: This is India’s Window. Don’t Let It Slip.
Let’s celebrate the OECD’s report, but let’s not treat it like a certificate. It’s more like a reminder. A reminder that in a world full of uncertainty, India is still a rising certainty. But if we want this growth to last—and touch everyone—we need empathy alongside economics.
This is not the time to sit back. This is the time to shape the kind of growth we want to be remembered for.
Because growing fast is good.
But growing right? That’s what makes history.