Page 34 - EW February 2026

Expert Comment

Religious practices impeding

economic development

S.P. MISHRA

HIS ESSAY IS NOT INTENDED TO DEMEAN OR Countrywide millions of hours are
hurt religious sentiments. It’s exploration of an
idea — through questioning, reflection, and seek- invested every year in religious rituals
Ting answers about the intersection of religion and and festivals. But they also represent
economic development in India. It is inspired by a thought-
provoking YouTube video of 2014, which reflected on Chi- significant investment of time,
na’s progress until that time. organisational effort and money
Since then, China has transformed into a manufacturing
powerhouse and latterly into a global leader in infrastruc- Yet, studies suggest that if India embraced greater seculari-
ture development and innovation. It has engineered the sation, we could double per capita GDP over the next few
world’s fastest Maglev train, reaching speeds of 650 km/h, decades.
and built the largest high-speed rail network globally. China The structure of our festive calendar adds another layer to
now leads in electric vehicle production, with BYD surpass- this conversation. Indian professionals often expend 25-30
ing Tesla in global sales. Its AI ecosystem has surged, with days annually on religious holidays depending on region and
models like DeepSeek rivalling Western counterparts at a employer. These holidays, while culturally rich, fragment
fraction of the cost. Through its Belt and Road Initiative, productivity — especially in sectors that rely on continu-
China has invested over $1.3 trillion in building infrastruc- ous operations. In contrast, China, with its centralised and
ture in over 150 countries, reshaping global trade routes. It secular holiday calendar, limits statutory holidays to just
has also launched lunar and Mars missions, built a space 13 days. By consolidating breaks into longer blocks, China
station, and become a top player in quantum computing and minimises disruption and maintains economic momentum.
5G deployment. With sustained GDP growth averaging 6 Religion also plays a visible role in India’s public life and
percent annually and strategic investment in clean energy, politics. Temple inaugurations, religious processions, and
semiconductors, and biotech, China’s rise is the outcome of faith-based narratives are increasingly shaping the national
a focused national agenda that prioritises productivity, inno- discourse. While this generates cultural pride, it also diverts
vation, and global influence over ritualistic public life — the attention from pressing economic reforms and creates so-
outcome of its relentless focus on technology and economic cial polarisation that affects governance and investor con-
advancement. fidence.
India and China began their post-colonial journeys at et, religion is not inherently inimical to development. It
similar economic levels in the mid-20th century. But in the Ycan be a force for good — encouraging ethical behaviour,
late 1970s, China surged ahead with sweeping reforms and community support, and volunteerism. Temples, mosques,
a productivity-driven ethos. India, meanwhile, initiated its and churches often provide social welfare services, educa-
economy liberalisation and deregulation process in 1991. tion, and healthcare to the underprivileged. The challenge
Yet, at a systemic level, there’s stark difference: the role of is not religion per se, but how it is institutionalised and how
religion in public life. While China’s largely atheistic popu- much space it occupies in our public life.
lation channels its energy into productivity and industrial Imagine an India where religion is cherished and prac-
growth, India’s societal rhythm is deeply intertwined with tised privately, without interfering with public life. Where
ritualistic religious practices. This divergence is a significant holidays are rationalised to balance cultural celebration with
factor in the contrasting trajectories of these two Asian gi- economic continuity. Where religious institutions offer vo-
ants. cational training, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship pro-
India is a land of profound spirituality. From the chants grams. Where public policy is guided by scientific temper,
at dawn to the vibrant processions that colour our streets, inclusive secularism, and strategic investment.
religion is not just a belief system — it shapes our calendars, India’s spiritual richness is unmatched. But to catch up
conversations, and incrementally, politics. But as India sets with China and break into the league of developed econo-
its sights on joining the ranks of developed economies, a mies, we need to streamline public religiosity, optimise fes-
philosophical question emerges: Could religious rituals be tive calendars, and invest time and energy in productive
slowing the country’s economic resurgence? pursuits. Religion should remain a personal compass, not
Across the country, endless hours are spent every year a public spectacle.
on religious rituals. Pilgrimages, temple, mosque, church If embraced collectively, this philosophical shift could
visits, and festivals are deeply meaningful. But they also rep- significantly unlock India’s latent potential and propel us
resent significant investment of time, organisational effort, towards a future where religious faith and progress walk
and money. hand in hand.
Religious tourism alone generates income of Rs.4.74 lakh
crore annually, and temples over 2 percent of India’s GDP. (Dr. S.P. Mishra is Director of the Hyderabad-based India Career Centre)

34 EDUCATIONWORLD FEBRUARY 2026