Empowering High Schools for Viksit Bharat 2047 Integrating SDGs and NEP 2020 for Education and Healthcare

Abstract

India predicts becoming a developed nation by 2047 under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Achieving this requires transformative reforms in education and healthcare, especially at the high school level where young citizens are prepared for the future. This paper examines the role of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education) together with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in shaping high school education and healthcare practices. India must ensure that the nation's adolescents have access to quality health care, education, and an equitable environment to flourish (SDGs). Adolescents face unique challenges related to health, education, and other aspects of their wellbeing. Prominent challenges include early marriage, unequal gender and social norms, limited access to education and health services, restricted self-agency, and substance abuse, among many others. Despite this reality, adolescent issues are commonly neglected, not least because this age group is typically considered to be strong and healthy. In India, as in most low- and middle-income countries, this misconception masks both traditional and emergent challenges, particularly those related to urbanization and the modernization of society. The analysis highlights the policy interventions necessary to ensure holistic development, preparing India’s youth to contribute to a knowledge-driven and healthy society.