Teachers as Catalysts of Viksit Bharat 2047: Advancing Sustainability and Innovation in India

India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 represents an ambitious national agenda to transform the country into a developed, inclusive, and innovation-driven economy by the centenary of its independence. Central to this vision is the integration of sustainability and innovation across all sectors, particularly within the education system. Teachers, as key stakeholders in knowledge creation and dissemination, play a crucial role in shaping future-ready citizens and fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability. This paper examines the evolving role of teachers as catalysts in advancing sustainable development and innovation within the Indian higher education ecosystem. Grounded in stakeholder theory, the NEP 2020, and the SDGs, the study adopts a conceptual approach supported by policy analysis and contemporary academic discourse. It highlights the multifaceted contributions of teachers as knowledge facilitators, innovation enablers, sustainability advocates, and community leaders. The paper also identifies key challenges such as limited research infrastructure, inadequate industry-academia collaboration, and gaps in digital competencies. Based on these insights, a Teacher-Centric Sustainability and Innovation Framework is proposed to strengthen the role of educators in achieving national developmental goals. The study concludes that empowering teachers through institutional support, continuous professional development, and policy alignment is essential for realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.