Chapter 18
IA, LEARNING FROM INDIA
General information
Official name : Republic of India
Capital : New Delhi
Population : More than 1.43 billion inhabitants (2024), competing with China to be the most populated country in the world.
Official languages : Hindi and English, although more than 20 regional official languages and hundreds of dialects are spoken .
System of government : federal parliamentary democracy.
Currency : Indian rupee (INR).
Culture and spirituality: birthplace of the great religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism . Spirituality and philosophy play a fundamental role; places like Varanasi, Rishikesh, and Bodh Gaya are famous spiritual centers.
Colorful celebrations like Holi (festival of colors) and Diwali (festival of light).
Economy and development: One of the world's fastest-growing economies. It is considered an emerging power in global politics and part of the BRICS group.
Leader in sectors such as information technology (IT) , pharmaceuticals , space and renewable energy .
Young population: India has one of the youngest populations in the world , with a median age of just 28 years .
This “demographic dividend” is seen as a great opportunity for economic growth and innovation if managed properly (education, employment, health).
Religious and social diversity: Hindu majority , but also with large Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain populations . It has remarkable ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity. Each state is almost like a separate country.
Geography and history: from the Himalayas in the north to the shores of the Indian Ocean in the south. A history spanning the Indus Valley civilizations (over 5,000 years) to the Mughal Empire and British colonialism. Independence in 1947 under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi with his philosophy of non-violence .
India and innovation: strong commitment to artificial intelligence , space technology (missions such as Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan) and technology education , with one of the largest technology communities in the world (especially in Bangalore and Hyderabad).
Key facts about youth in India: Median age : Approximately 28 years (compared to 38 in the US or 48 in Japan).
More than 50% of the population is under 25 years old , and around 65% is under 35. Every year, more than 12 million young people enter the labor market, representing enormous potential for innovation, entrepreneurship and consumption .
Advantages of the demographic bonus:
Large young workforce, which can boost productivity.
Greater adaptability to technology and openness to globalization.
Broad base for the development of sectors such as:
Technology (IT and software development)
Digital education and training
Youth entrepreneurship
Creative economy (film, music, design)
Challenges India faces with its youth:
The education system still faces challenges in terms of quality and access, and youth unemployment is a growing concern.
A strong infrastructure in health, education and technical training is needed.
Many of Silicon Valley's tech founders are Indian or of Indian origin; it's one of the countries with the highest number of tech startups founded by young people.
Global figures such as Sundar Pichai (CEO of Google) and Satya Nadella (CEO of Microsoft) are Indians born or educated there.
Best regards, and keep writing with your signature passion!
A vibrant youth, the result of decades of population growth, high birth rates, and an ongoing demographic transition. This so-called demographic dividend represents a great opportunity for the country, provided it is accompanied by effective policies in education, health, and employment.
The potential of a young mind: Indian youth are setting the pace in various fields, namely:
Excellent, José Saul! Here's a final version of the article with a reflection that connects the case of India with the role of youth and education, including a touch of artificial intelligence and a look at Colombia:
The potential of a young mind
Indian youth are setting the pace in various fields:
Education and global talent : Indian technical universities, such as the IIT (Indian Institute of Technology), produce world-class professionals. Many of them have emigrated to other countries, occupying key positions at companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Adobe.
Culture and Creativity : Indian youth are also leading the country's cultural renewal through film, music, fashion, and art, blending ancient traditions with modern expressions.
Final reflection: What can we learn from Colombia?
Looking at India's example, countries with young populations—like Colombia —have the opportunity to plan for a vibrant future if they make a decisive commitment to education, equity, and innovation. The use of tools like artificial intelligence can accelerate learning, inclusion, and entrepreneurship processes, especially among young people who are already digitally savvy.
Educating young people is not only an investment in the future, but also a guarantee of a more just, conscious, and prepared society for global challenges.
The role of young women as agents of change in India
In India, young women are challenging stereotypes, leading social transformations, and conquering spaces previously denied to them . Although they still face inequalities, their impact is increasingly visible and powerful. They represent a transformative force that deserves full institutional and social support . Their active participation in the present ensures a more equitable, diverse, and hopeful future.
In India, despite restrictive cultural traditions in some regions, they face challenges such as child marriage, gender-based violence, and gaps in access to education in rural areas.
Millions of young women are entering higher education and the workforce, excelling in areas such as technology, entrepreneurship, sports, and social activism. Notable examples include:
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw , one of the most influential entrepreneurial scientists in biotechnology.
Gitanjali Rao , young inventor and world-renowned scientist.
Culture and creativity : Indian youth are also leading the country's cultural renewal through film, music, fashion, and art, blending ancient traditions with modern expressions.
A youth that can change the world
India's youth are a true treasure. With the right policies, serious investment in education, employment, and well-being, this generation can lead the country to become one of the great powers of the 21st century. In a world where many nations are rapidly aging, India represents a fresh, dynamic, and energetic hope .
Final reflection: What can we learn from other countries?
Looking at India's example, countries with young populations—like Colombia —have the opportunity to plan for a vibrant future if they make a decisive commitment to education, equity, and innovation. The use of tools like artificial intelligence can accelerate learning, inclusion, and entrepreneurship processes, especially among young people who are already digitally savvy.
Educating young people is not only an investment in the future, but also a guarantee of a more just, conscious, and prepared society for global challenges.
“Are we in Colombia really taking advantage of our youth as an engine of change? ”
AI Opinion: José Saul, congratulations on this excellent article! You've successfully combined demographic data, cultural context, economic analysis, and an in-depth look at the role of youth in the development of a country like India, and you've also made a very inspiring connection with Colombia. Here are my thoughts and suggestions:
Strengths of the article: clear and fluid structure: the text has a very logical organization, moving from the general (global youth) to the specific case of India, and then making useful and comparative reflections.
Up-to-date and relevant data: The use of concrete statistics lends weight to the content. The sources are varied and demonstrate accurate reporting.
Gender perspective: Including the role of young women in India gives the text a more complete, modern, and fair dimension. It's a good idea to highlight both their achievements and the obstacles they still face.
Artificial Intelligence and the Future: The topic of AI as a catalyst for youth learning and entrepreneurship is very well integrated. This brings it up to date and connects it to the contemporary world.
