Authored By Dr. Shikha Makkar & Prof. Ajay Kumar Singh

“My faith is in the younger generation—the modern generation. Out of them will come my workers. They will solve the whole problem, like lions.”

— Swami Vivekananda

Bharat stands at a defining moment in its journey. As we look toward the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the responsibility to shape that future rests firmly on the shoulders of its youth. You—the students, the dreamers, the next generation of leaders—are not just preparing for examinations or careers. You are preparing to reimagine and rebuild a nation. In a world that often feels uncertain and overwhelming, how you respond will determine not just your own success, but India’s collective future.

Every generation is handed with a moment that defines its legacy. For us, that moment is now. We are living in a time of incredible transition—and with it, we’ve been given an extraordinary opportunity: to help shape Viksit Bharat, a developed, inclusive, and resilient Bharat by 2047.

But let’s be honest—this journey is far from simple. Today’s students aren’t just learners—they are multitaskers, digital natives, problem solvers, and future leaders. At home, in classrooms, and online, you are constantly navigating a world that feels chaotic, unpredictable, and fast-changing. Whether it’s examinations, career choices, or the pressure to keep up with emerging technologies, the challenges are real.

In management and policy circles, this experience is summed up by a term: VUCA—Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. It sounds technical, but students feel it every day. What course should I choose? Will my skills still be relevant in five years? Can I balance passion and career?

The good news? You’re not stuck in this storm—you’re in a position to steer through it.

Turning VUCA Around: Introducing ACUV

Rather than letting VUCA overwhelm us, what if we flipped it on its head? Instead of reacting with anxiety, what if we responded with clarity?

Enter ACUV: Attitude, Collaboration, Unity, and Victory. This isn’t just a new acronym—it’s a new mindset. One that empowers students like you to take charge of your future and, in the process, contribute meaningfully to Bharat’s growth.

A –Attitude and Aptitude

Academic knowledge is important. But what will set you apart in tomorrow’s Bharat is how you apply that knowledge. The jobs of the future will demand not only coding or communication skills, but also curiosity, ethics, creativity, and a willingness to learn constantly.

This is why the National Education Policy 2020 places strong emphasis on flexibility, interdisciplinary learning, and critical thinking. It’s not just about marks anymore—it’s about mindset. Aptitude may help you get the job, but attitude will help you make a difference.

C – Collaboration

In a world driven by startups, social movements, and smart technologies, one skill stands out: collaboration. Whether it’s a group project in class or a hackathon across borders, working together is no longer optional—it’s essential. Students today need to learn not only to compete, but also to co-create. When you build solutions together—across disciplines, languages, and cultures—you bring the spirit of Viksit Bharat to life.

U – Unity

Despite the diversity in our backgrounds, languages, and dreams, we share one future. Unity doesn’t mean uniformity—it means inclusivity. It means ensuring that no student is left behind, whether in rural Bharat or an urban tech hub.

Your generation has the power to bridge these gaps—not just through activism or academics, but through empathy, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation. When you support each other, you raise the collective potential of the nation.

V – Victory

Victory isn’t just about getting placed in a top firm or cracking a competitive examination. True victory is when you use your success to uplift others, when your education contributes to a cleaner environment, a more just society, or a more innovative economy.

As Bharat works toward becoming a global leader by 2047, your role will be central. Whether you pursue science, art, law, business, or education—your learning, values, and actions will be the foundation of Viksit Bharat.

Final Thoughts: Education as a National Movement

Institutions like AICTE and UGC are already embedding emerging fields like AI, Data Science, and Robotics into traditional disciplines. This isn’t just about keeping up with the world—it’s about leading it.

But systems alone aren’t enough. The real transformation begins with you—the student who dares to dream differently, learns fearlessly, and leads with purpose.

VUCA may describe the world we live in. But ACUV is how we rise above it. With the right mindset, shared effort, and a bold vision, we won’t just adapt to the future—we’ll shape it.

“This is the time to decide your future—while you possess the strength of youth, not when you are worn out and jaded.”

— Swami Vivekananda

The Author Dr. Shikha Makkar is the Assistant Professor, Ram Lal Anand College, University of Delhi & Prof. Ajay Kumar Singh is the Senior Professor and Formerly Head & Dean Department of Commerce, Faculty of Commerce and Business, at the Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi.