Curiosity and its role in India’s growth story

Helping my children study reignited my curiosity about curiosity itself — and how early many of us lose it. India’s education system, though richer in content than before, still stifles inquiry. This isn’t a minor flaw: Curiosity powers innovation, and innovation powers nations. As automation and global fragmentation reshape economies, India cannot rely on low-cost advantages alone. We must nurture problem-solvers who ask “why,” not just follow SOPs. Fixing this will take patience, better schools, industry participation, and — to ensure it doesn’t deepen inequity — greater respect and value for skilled work. Rekindling curiosity in classrooms today may well…