Hi Friends,

Even as I launch this today ( my 80th Birthday ), I realize that there is yet so much to say and do. There is just no time to look back, no time to wonder,"Will anyone read these pages?"

With regards,
Hemen Parekh
27 June 2013

Now as I approach my 90th birthday ( 27 June 2023 ) , I invite you to visit my Digital Avatar ( www.hemenparekh.ai ) – and continue chatting with me , even when I am no more here physically

Tuesday, 7 October 2025

From Caste to 'Viksit Bihar': A Shift Towards Development

From Caste to 'Viksit Bihar': A Shift Towards Development

The political landscape is a dynamic entity, constantly shifting and evolving. I've been observing the discourse surrounding the upcoming Bihar elections, and it's particularly striking to see the pivot. Historically, elections in states like Bihar have often been deeply rooted in caste-based equations. However, the current strategy, as reported, indicates a clear move by the NDA to counter this traditional approach by banking on a ‘Viksit Bihar’ narrative. This emphasis on development as the primary agenda, rather than identity politics, resonates deeply with perspectives I’ve shared over the years.

For a long time, I've championed the idea that true progress for India, and indeed for its constituent states, lies in embracing innovation, digital transformation, and robust governance. It's a journey that demands moving beyond divisions to build a shared future. Seeing the political conversation in Bihar steer towards 'Viksit Bihar' feels like a validation of this very principle.

I recall my blog post, The digital path to a developed India, where I articulated that 'Digital India is not by any means an easy goal. It is bold, audacious and will need India to become THE most innovative country in the world for success. Just as India is the land of potential, it is also the land of complex challenges.' At the time, I urged that innovation be the beating heart of our development, and seeing this echoed in a state's electoral strategy is profoundly meaningful. The article highlights how technology-enabled governance, like that seen at the Mahakumbh, can enhance efficiency and inclusivity. This aligns precisely with my earlier thoughts on how unwavering commitment and intelligent design can navigate the intricacies of scale and diversity to transform our nation. My earlier insights into overcoming 'complex challenges' through 'innovative disruption' seem more relevant than ever today, underscoring the urgency to revisit those foundational ideas for driving progress.

Similarly, in my reflections on India Ready to recreate UPI Magic with AI, I had envisioned AI playing a pivotal role in democratizing access to sophisticated tools and driving financial inclusion on a massive scale. The concept of 'Viksit Bihar' is not merely about infrastructure; it's about inclusive growth, leveraging technology to uplift every citizen, much like the UPI revolution transformed financial transactions. This continuity of thought, from anticipating AI's transformative power to its tangible application in governance and development, reinforces that these strategic pillars are indeed integrated into our national priorities. The success of digital infrastructure in governance, as I mentioned years ago regarding an 'all-out and pervasive implementation of such Mobile Apps' for 'Digital India' and 'E-Governance' (Ideas for India Stack Platform), is now becoming a lived reality.

It is truly striking how these earlier insights hold significant value in the current context. The shift in political narratives towards development is a testament to the fact that people are increasingly looking for tangible improvements in their lives, rather than being confined by traditional divides. To truly realize a 'Viksit Bihar' and a 'Viksit Bharat,' we must continue to champion inclusive policies, technological innovation, and transparent governance that empowers every individual. This is the path to a resilient, prosperous, and equitable future.


Regards,
Hemen Parekh

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