A Thought-Provoking Dialogue at India International Centre
A joint consultation organized by AIM and SDS at the India International Centre, New Delhi, set the stage for an engaging discussion on Swasth Bharat in Viksit Bharat. Among the esteemed panelists was Mr. Suneel Vatsyayan, a life coach and trained social worker, who introduced a thought-provoking Chinese proverb:
"You pay the person (therapist or interventionalist) when you are healthy, but the person should pay you when you are not well."
This proverb underscores the preventive approach to health, a concept that feels increasingly distant in India’s healthcare system. As non-communicable diseases (NCDs) continue to rise, Mr. Vatsyayan emphasized that they are not just medical issues but social conditions. In Delhi, prevention feels like a luxury, while treatment often resembles disaster management—where survival follows the familiar cycle of rescue, restore, relief, and rehabilitation.
Health as a Societal Investment, Not Just a Personal Responsibility
The discussion expanded to include the role of civil society in shaping Viksit Bharat 2047. A crucial question emerged:
"If I am 62 today, can I see 2047 and still be healthy at 84?"
Dr. William Joe, an Assistant Professor at the Population Research Centre, Institute of Economic Growth (IEG), Delhi, pointed out that India's current life expectancy is around 70 years. This statistic raises an important concern—how do we extend not just lifespan but healthspan?
The conversation turned personal when Mr. Vatsyayan reflected on his own discomfort with the healthcare system. A simple doctor’s visit often results in an immediate prescription for pills or, worse, the fear of injections (‘Tika’). If this reactive approach to health continues, people will view physicians as a last resort, only seeking medical attention during crises.
The Profound Meaning of ‘Swasthya’
In Hindi, the word Swasthya (स्वास्थ्य) has a much deeper meaning than just physical well-being. It comes from:
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Swa (स्व) = Self
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Sath (स्थ) = Stability
Thus, Swasthya means being stable within oneself, embodying mental, emotional, social, and physical well-being. Similarly, Khushhali (खुशहाली), or well-being, must be redefined beyond economic progress to include holistic wellness.
This echoes previous discussions on women in Viksit Bharat, where true development requires a shift in thinking, beliefs, and behaviors—across genders and social strata. The same principle applies to Swasthya and well-being.
An Integrated Approach to Health and Well-being
Mr. Vatsyayan emphasized the need for a holistic approach to health. In response to a question by Dr. Mahipal, he stressed that:
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Practicing social workers should be seen as key players in keeping people healthy, not just treating them when they fall ill.
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Society should invest resources in preventive health—not just in hospitals but in community-based wellness.
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Health industry should "pay back" society by ensuring access to well-being services for those who need them most.
Reevaluating Growth and Happiness in Viksit Bharat
As India moves toward economic growth, an important question arises:
"How will a healthy Swasth Bharat contribute to a thriving economy?"
Mr. Vatsyayan highlighted a crucial paradox: If alcohol, tobacco, and an inactive lifestyle continue to be symbols of Sukh (happiness) and Khushi (pleasure), then our very definition of well-being needs to change.
A Viksit Bharat cannot be built on a healthcare system driven by commercial interests and illness. The current GDP model thrives on economic growth but does not necessarily ensure the health of its citizens.
Well-being as the Foundation of Education and Society
Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Vatsyayan noted how it exposed cracks in our society and its vulnerabilities. This experience should serve as a foundation for education, particularly social work education, which should be recognized as an autonomous discipline focused on well-being, alongside modern medicine and AYUSH.
A truly integrated approach should include:
✔ Contributions from various scientific disciplines (public health, psychology, social work, behavioral health etc.).
✔ Inclusion of people with lived experiences—such as drug users, individuals with NCDs, and those at risk.
✔ A shift in mindset—from merely "changing behavior" to fostering long-term transformation in how society values health.
From 'Swarth' to 'Swasth'—The Role of Trained Social Workers
A key takeaway from the discussion was the relationship between Swarth (Popularly we relate the "Swarth" Self- interest or Selfish ) and Swasth (health).
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Swa (स्व) = Self (knowing oneself) + Arth (अर्थ) = Meaning (purpose or understanding)
Thus, Swarth, when understood correctly, is not selfishness but self-awareness leading to well-being. Trained social workers are essential in bridging the gap between:
🔹 Service delivery and accessibility.
🔹 Research and practice-based education in public health.
🔹 Community health initiatives that prioritize primordial prevention
A Call to Action: The Pathway to Viksit Bharat 2047
To achieve a Swasth Bharat in Viksit Bharat, we must:
✅ Shift our mindset—from treating illness to investing in wellness and prevention.
✅ Recognize social work as a key profession in health and well-being.
✅ Redefine growth and happiness beyond consumerism and unhealthy lifestyles.
✅ Strengthen the doctor-patient relationship so that healthcare becomes proactive, not reactive.
Final Thoughts: A Reality Check from Developed Nations
As we imagine Viksit Bharat 2047, it's crucial to learn from nations like the United States. Despite being a developed country, its health indicators are concerning—rising obesity, mental health crises, and chronic diseases are reminders that economic prosperity alone does not guarantee well-being.
The true test of development lies in how healthy, resilient, and well-balanced its citizens are.
The joint consultation ended with a powerful realization—we must redefine what it means to be "healthy" in a developed India. A Swasth Bharat in Viksit Bharat will only be possible when health is seen as a fundamental social investment, not just an individual responsibility.
Healthy body, mind and soul. It's depends on awareness of each one about oneself,
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