This day marks the 75th Independence Day of India as the country celebrates ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’. It is a day to pay tribute to all the country’s freedom-fighters and to salute and applaud all the achievers in their respective fields who have shaped the evolution of India over the last 75 years.  The previous decades have witnessed India transforming from a primarily agrarian society to one of the fastest growing economies of the region and the world. 

However, the journey has not been without obstacles. As the world grapples with the numerous challenges of economic recovery in a post pandemic era, climate change and other global trends, it is a great opportunity for the people to stand united and display resilience to overcome these hardships through innovations, new learnings and re-imagination of a ‘New Normal’. In 2019, Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a vision for the country to become a $5 trillion economy and a global powerhouse in the coming years. Here, the private sector can be a strong ally and play a vital role in India’s growth story and in accelerating the transition to a sustainable tomorrow. The Finnish business community in India is equipped with innovative, sustainable and advanced technologies to become a strategic partner in this transition. 

India is projected to become the world’s most populous country in 2023. As several countries face ageing and declining population trends and increased dependency on migrant work force, there is huge potential to harness the demographic dividend of India in shaping the development dynamics of the nation.   

This day marks a milestone in the journey of India, but we still have a long road ahead. Let’s embrace the coming years in the spirit of freedom, development, opportunities, cooperation and partnership. 

Happy Independence Day!

– Sanjay Aggarwal

Chairperson, Finland Chamber of Commerce in India
President, Fortum India Private Limited