Introduction
In this theme article, we summarize the broad characteristics of Vision 2020 (a document which outlines the transformation process related to evolution of India as a developed nation by 2020) as envisaged by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. We discuss the enabling role of our discipline related to this critical national (social) transformation process.
This theme article is organized in three segments. The first segment, which is drawn heavily based on the published work by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam introduces the salient features of Vision 2020 and a road map related to realizing this national dream. The second segment sketches the evolution of operations research as a scientific discipline in the international and Indian context. The third and final segment of the article relate OR tools and techniques that can facilitate the planning and implementation of several projects / activities / policies in the overall context of Vision 2020.
Vision 2020: Goals: In the developed India, every Indian citizen would have an enhanced quality of life. Developed India would have a 4% global GDP share from
1.67% (as of 2002). The population growth rate in developed India would reduce to 1.5% from 1.9% (as of 2002).
Pre-requisites: Achieving Vision 2020 would require unshakable commitment from the political leadership. It would require the active involvement and strong commitment of the general public, at a level compared to what was exhibited to achieve our independence. Vision 2020, planning and implementation should be integrated as a part
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of the national agenda and should be de-linked from the narrow political party objectives and considerations.
Enablers: Transformation of India to a developed country would require appropriate state of art technology interventions in all areas of Indian
References: 1. India Planning Commission (2004). India Vision 2020: The Report plus Background Papers. Academic Foundation, New Delhi. 2. Kalam, A.P.J. Abdul, Y.S. Rajan (1998). India 2020: A Vision of the New Millennium. Viking, New Delhi. 3. Saul. I Gass and Arjang A. Assad, (2005), An annotated timeline of Operations Research, An informal history, Kluwer. 4. Wagner, Harvey M. (1980). Principles of Operations Research with Applications to Managerial Decisions. Prentice-Hall of India, New Delhi. 21