Answer:

Introduction

The quotation by Nelson Mandela captures the essence of inclusivity in a society. A nation may grow economically but it truly progresses when the fruits of growth are not merely appropriated by those who contribute the most to it, but equitably by those who need them the most.

Body

The quote emphasizes:

• Importance of inclusivity: A nation’s progress should be evaluated based on equal treatment and opportunities for all citizens, especially the marginalized and vulnerable sections.
  
• Significance of social justice: A nation’s commitment to justice is reflected in how it addresses the concerns and challenges faced by its lowest citizens, including poverty, discrimination, lack of access to education and healthcare, and social exclusion.
• Need for compassion and empathy: Policymaking and governance should be driven by a deep sense of care and concern for the most vulnerable sections, addressing their unique needs and aspirations.

In the present context, it applies even more as increasing inequality has created large gaps in the opportunities – those at the bottom are finding it more difficult to reach the social, economical and political level that they aspire for. In order to achieve the above, India needs to reduce the gap between the haves and the have-nots across these domains. The concerns of the deprived and disadvantaged members of the society need to be addressed.

These include:

• Poverty eradication: Lift 73 million people from poverty through targeted welfare programs and poverty alleviation measures.
• Combating discrimination: Eliminate social and occupational discrimination, ensuring equal opportunities and promoting social equity.
• Land rehabilitation: Consider the relationship of marginalized communities with the land during development projects, protecting their rights and ensuring proper rehabilitation.
• Education and healthcare access: Bridge literacy, healthcare, and nutrition gaps for SCs, STs, and minorities through focused interventions and resource allocation.
• Effective rule of law: Ensure equal application of the law, preventing over-representation of marginalized groups in prisons and addressing disparities in legal access.
• Women’s empowerment: Increase employment opportunities, foster a supportive work environment, and enhance political representation to reduce the gender gap.

To address this- India has taken following steps:

• Poverty eradication: Government initiatives like Jan Dhan Yojana and Ayushman Bharat focus on lifting millions out of poverty and providing basic standards of living.
• Caste-based discrimination: Affirmative action policies aim to rectify historical injustices and promote social equity, ensuring representation and opportunities for marginalized castes.
• Tribal rights and land acquisition: The Forest Rights Act recognizes tribal land and forest rights, ensuring their participation in decision-making and protecting their interests during development projects.
• Gender equality: Initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and laws against gender-based violence work towards addressing gender disparities and promoting equal opportunities for women.
• Access to healthcare and education: National Health Mission and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan focus o providing accessible healthcare and quality education to marginalized sections, reducing disparities.
• Social justice: Strengthening the legal framework and implementing laws like SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act aims to prevent discrimination and protect the rights of marginalized communities.

Conclusion

India finds itself in a paradoxical state where immense wealth coexists with extreme poverty, and certain segments of society enjoy privileges while lacking basic rights. Resolving this paradox requires policymakers to prioritize initiatives such as development schemes, affirmative action, and inclusive growth policies.

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