Contributor(s): Nita Ambani, Professor Lord Stern | India is at the vanguard of epoch-making economic and social transformation. A country of glorious heritage and enormous diversity, where a sixth of humanity lives, India is looking to leapfrog on the strength of its unique endowment - a burgeoning and an incredibly huge young population. This demographic dividend, this soft power will drive the nation's trail-blazing journey to global leadership. The national aspiration is high and the key to leveraging this opportunity hinges on its capacity to harness the power of knowledge. Nita M. Ambani is the Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, Chairperson of Dhirubhai Ambani International School and Chairperson of IMG-Reliance joint venture. Nicholas Stern is IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government, Director of the India Observatory and Chairman of the Asia Research Centre at the LSE.