Tata Sons Chairman Urges India to Address Key Challenges for Flourishing Country

Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran emphasized that if India is to become a flourishing country, it must address pressing issues like inequality and invest in basic healthcare, education, and skills training for the youth. He made these remarks during the Global Alumni Meet (GAM2025) of NIT Tiruchirappalli on Saturday.

According to Chandrasekaran, India's geographical positioning offers the unique opportunity to capitalize on global uncertainties, particularly with major transitions under way that play to the country's strengths. However, he stressed that certain fundamental issues need to be tackled head-on if the nation aims to flourish.

"One of the things we need to address if we want India to be a flourishing country is inequality in every sense - per capita income disparity between southern and northern states." Chandrasekaran said, highlighting the pressing need to bring down this gap.

To achieve true progress, Chandrasekaran emphasized that access to basic healthcare and education are critical. Not just hospitals but teachers and doctors across various regions should be accessible, he noted, as India falls short of global standards set by the World Health Organization.

Chandrasekaran also pointed out that labour productivity in the country is abysmally low compared to nations such as the United States and warned about the risks posed by an informal job market. With millions joining the workforce annually, it's imperative for young people to be skilfully equipped, he stressed.

Investment in research and education will help fill this knowledge gap and position India on the path to significant strides, according to Chandrasekaran. The chairman of Tata Sons urged that a collaborative approach is necessary in nurturing innovation, particularly in materials science and life sciences.

By doing so, Chandrasekaran noted that there is substantial potential for growth, both within the nation and in leveraging key technologies like sustainability, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence that play to India's global strengths.