Conclusions

Section – 7

CONCLUSIONS

While it is true that urbanized areas encourage most of the social and economic investments so necessary for a nation's development, this study presents a case for 'Distributed Urbanization' across all areas of a state/region and not confined to cities. Only such a strategy can mitigate the problems of lop-sided urbanization of metros and large cities, and create an inclusive development initiative.

To this end, the philosophical model of PULSE has been presented for catalyzing the preparation of region-specific development plans for sustainable and inclusive development. Preparation of such a plan is a huge adaptive challenge for the people of the region. They share the responsibility to work for the emergence of the plan which they will own collectively. This will truly be a great democratic endeavor in the largest democracy of the world. Only after the people give expression to their collective vision for their sustainable future can the government step in to develop and implement various projects envisaged by them. Considering the enormity of the challenge, the study presents a suitable methodology for how the planning and implementation work can be accomplished.

The essential features and components of the model have been described in detail and exemplified in the context of the state of Tamil Nadu.

The concept is equally adaptable to other developing countries as well, of course with suitable modifications to suit local conditions.

The current generation in the developing world owes it to the future generations to undertake urgent and earnest initiatives aimed at economic development in a sustainable way. Now is the time to not only teach people to fish but also to empower them to design and make their own fishing rod.

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