The India Today State of the States Conclave 2020, held on December 5, was a celebration of the country’s development beyond the political rhetoric. Known for being the most credible and comprehensive study on the performance of Indian states, it showcased the states’ progress over a dozen categories—economy, agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, inclusive development, governance, law and order, entrepreneurship, tourism, environment and cleanliness. Looking at the current pandemic, this year the conclave saw the presentation of a onetime award to the states for their Covid-19 management. Following Covid protocols, the entire event also went virtual.
While the winning chief ministers shared their mantras of success, the conclave primarily focused on building a new India which, along with the rest of the world, had to withstand the devastating impact of the…
