In three panel sessions and numerous keynote speeches by Union Ministers and other influential politicians, challenges faced by India were discussed and solutions identified. In this context, the three focus areas were “Youth – the Engine for New India”, “Aspirational Cities – Livable Cities” as well as “India To the World”. Before the panel sessions began, several keynote speakers highlighted India's potential in their speeches. India has been identified as a strong, ideological, independent, intelligent and cultural democracy and was therefore equipped with the prerequisites to address its diverse challenges. Since the election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, a kind of disruption could be felt, as it was the case shortly before India gained its independence. This feeling of disruption will enable the country to transform into New India. In this respect the youth of the country will play a decisive role. It was highlighted that for reaching its goals India had to be inclusive and to come together as a nation.
The first panel session focused on youth. The Indian youth was identified as the engine of growth for India. As fuel they needed literacy in the form of exposure, orientation, behavior and opportunities as well as jobs. According to the panelists, opportunities arose through education and nurturing. It was stressed that India was a country of opportunity and that this had to be made understandable to young people. There would never be enough jobs in India if young people did not use the opportunities and became opportunity creators and thus job creators instead of merely job seekers. It was also mentioned that dignity of labor remained an issue in India and that it was indispensable for driving the country forward.
Livable cities was the topic of the second session. By 2030, 600 million Indians will live in the country's cities. Many cities are already bursting at the seams. The ten largest cities alone are home to 25 percent of the urban population. This poses challenges for the state. It was highlighted by the panelists that cities must be built and designed sustainably and inclusively. Large sections of the population must no longer be marginalized in squatter settlements. Furthermore, it was stressed that the design and planning of urban spaces required a high level of navigation. For this, the responsible authorities must be equipped with the necessary capacities and competencies. Therefore, the urban administration needs to be made financially viable. The panelists stated that the creation of infrastructure and green urban mobility will be something New India will have to deal with.
The last panel session revolved around India's role in the world and its relations with other states. Numerous ambassadors and international experts contributed to the discussion. The panelists agreed that India had great potential, but that in order to fully realize it, it must become even more open to the world. It was stated that India was approaching to becoming the most influential democracy in the second half of the 21st century. But since India will nevertheless have to face numerous challenges, which do not only affect its domestic affairs, but which also arise from external factors, such as China, it is important that India does not act too self-centered, and that it joins forces with its numerous allies and partners around the globe. With 35 million Indians living abroad, India also has a huge and influential diaspora that can help strengthen relations with other countries. India should make the most of this potential. It was also discussed that India could use its unique heritage and transformation to reshape multilateral cooperation. It should form a narrative about its own transformation so that other emerging countries can benefit from it.
The organizers of the forum used the last part of the event to thank all participants and partners, emphasizing once again the relevance of events like this and their ambition to establish Celebrating New India as a regular, nationwide forum. They once again underlined the relevance of the issues discussed, in particular the strengthening of Indian youth, and were confident that the country was on the right path towards a New India.