India, April 3 -- India's growing young population offers a crucial opportunity to invest in the future, with early childhood development (ECD) playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation's long-term prosperity. Global evidence from a wide array of disciplines, such as economics, neuroscience, and child development strongly support the argument for investing in ECD to produce high returns. Research from these fields has demonstrated that early interventions have profound and lasting effects on individuals, communities, and economies. Hence, strategic investment in ECD, lays strong foundations for future growth and development, helping India meet its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Prioritising ECD ensures that the future generatio...