Vice-President Calls for Equitable Access to Emerging Technologies, Says Advantage India Means Advantage to Humanity.
C. P. Radhakrishnan releases Anil K. Antony’s book ‘Advantage India: Reshaping the Future for an Equitable World’ in New Delhi.
New Delhi:
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan has emphasised that innovations and emerging technologies should benefit all humanity rather than remain the exclusive property of any one country. He said India’s technological progress must contribute to global welfare, stressing that “Advantage India is Advantage to Humanity”.
The Vice-President made these remarks while releasing Advantage India: Reshaping the Future for an Equitable World, authored by Anil K. Antony, at Uprashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on Friday.
Congratulating Antony and Rupa Publications on the book’s publication, Radhakrishnan said the work captures India’s transformation and examines the opportunities available to the country in a rapidly changing global environment. Drawing on his experience in technology, business and public policy, the author explores India’s emerging strengths and expanding role in the international order.
Highlighting India’s distinctive advantages, the Vice-President referred to its civilisational heritage, democratic traditions, demographic dividend, growing economy, strong institutions and expanding technological capabilities.
He also highlighted India’s development journey under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that more than 25 crore people had been lifted out of absolute poverty. Initiatives in education, housing, sanitation, healthcare and food security, he said, had improved the dignity and social security of millions.
Radhakrishnan underlined the importance of empowering women, youth, farmers and disadvantaged sections. He cited the emergence of more than three crore Lakhpati Didis as an example of women-led development. He also pointed to the expansion of educational and healthcare infrastructure through new IITs, AIIMS, medical colleges and other higher educational institutions, alongside improvements in connectivity through Vande Bharat trains, airports, highways and railway stations.
Referring to technological advancement, the Vice-President recalled that computers had initially generated apprehension in India, but the country subsequently emerged as a global information technology powerhouse. He said artificial intelligence and machine learning offered similar opportunities today, provided leadership ensured their effective use for societal progress.
Highlighting the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, he referred to India’s growing indigenous manufacturing capabilities, including in defence production, citing the commissioning of INS Samarthak as an example.
On international relations, Radhakrishnan recalled India’s G20 Presidency, its role in securing the African Union’s inclusion in the grouping and its growing voice for the Global South. He also cited India’s COVID-19 response, including vaccination at home and the supply of vaccines to more than 100 countries, as an example of the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family.
He said the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 was both an aspiration and a responsibility, requiring every citizen’s participation in nation-building under the principle of Rashtra Pratham.
Professor Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India; economist Shamika Ravi; author Anil K. Antony; Kapish Mehra, Managing Editor of Rupa Publications; diplomats and other dignitaries attended the event.
