Birla says India brimming with optimism, economy ‘looking like a wow’

India is moving ahead with optimism as the country is witnessing an accelerated high-growth economic trajectory, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla said. 

Birla, who serves as the chairman of the multinational conglomerate Aditya Birla Group, said, the “government deserves much credit” for the growth trajectory in the country even as large pockets of the world remain engulfed in pessimism.

The billionaire industrialist highlighted India’s achievement in the past 12 months, recalling the Chandrayaan mission, Sheetal Devi’s gold at the Asian Para Games, Nikhat Zareen’s defense of her world boxing championship title, and Rohan Bopanna’s grand slam wing in Australian Open doubles final last week. 

In his annual reflection on the past year, Birla noted the number of Indian air travelers peaking at 150 million and the record number of 300 million domestic vacationers. 

“As large pockets of the world remain engulfed in pessimism, India seems to stride forward with unwavering optimism. This is the dynamism and energy of a young country and ancient civilization that has found its voice and footing,” he said in the message published on Monday.

“There is a palpable sense that the country is on the move,” Birla said, adding, “India is awash with optimism, pride, and anticipation. This anticipation stems from our country’s accelerated high-growth trajectory.”

Referring to the viral meme ‘just looking like a wow,’ Birla said the social media trend “echoes the vibrant energy of the Indian economy and captures the unparalleled nature of this moment.”

“In the arc of a nation’s progress there comes a moment when you feel a certain pulse. A deeply impactful one – the pulse of a nation’s confidence. Perhaps it’s time to imagine an index that captures the collective confidence of a nation. Maybe call it the national confidence index,” he said. 

Highlighting the achievements of Aditya Birla Group, he noted that the conglomerate’s market cap grew 40% over the previous year to around $90 billion, scale manufacturing businesses consolidated their leadership positions, and consumer businesses are on the brink of transformational growth. 

“And with the launch of two new and large businesses in 2024, we are constructing a growth platform with a unique mix of strength and scope,” Birla said.