It isn’t every day that you find yourself walking into the former residence of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, now the home of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in New Delhi. On July 1st, I had the privilege of being invited there for a late afternoon not just of networking, but of ideas, innovation, and imagination—aptly so, as it was the launch of the book #Forwardism, co-authored by Adjiedj Bakas and his late husband, Vinco David, a renowned geopolitical thinker.
The occasion brought together an eclectic mix of industry leaders, tech innovators, media professionals, and long-time friends of the Netherlands. There was an undeniable sense of shared curiosity in the air, as though we had all come to peer into the future collectively.
The event was hosted in the presence of H.E. Ms. Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to India, and Mr. L.S. Bahl, President of the Indo-Dutch Chambers of Business & Sciences. Both expressed their admiration for the book’s vision, noting how it offers a roadmap for a world in flux.
A Glimpse Into the Future
Author Adjiedj Bakas delivered a presentation that offered a guided tour through the ideas and predictions contained in #Forwardism: A Bold and Imaginative Voyage to the Future. The talk wasn’t just speculative—it was grounded, provocative, and refreshingly global in perspective. He walked us through the megatrends and disruptions shaping our collective future—from AI and digital transformation to climate adaptation, sustainability, and the future of love and governance.
Bakas argued that we are living in “The Perfect Storm”—a moment of intersecting crises and opportunities, setting the stage for what he calls a New Renaissance. In this future, the convergence of nanotechnology, biotechnology, and neuroscience will redefine health, cognition, and even human identity. At the same time, he highlighted the role of climate change as both an existential threat and a catalyst for innovation, especially in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and urban design.
One of the key takeaways from the talk was India’s potential role in this emerging world. The book outlines ways in which India can leapfrog development by embracing AI for social good, investing in a future-ready workforce through upskilling and reskilling, and expanding the digital economy. Equally striking was the emphasis on agricultural innovation, wind energy, and the concept of “Karma Capitalism”—a model that blends ethical values with economic growth.
A Book Structured Like a Visionary Atlas
The book #Forwardism is structured like a visionary atlas, divided into five compelling parts that collectively chart a bold roadmap for the future of our world. Part I, titled “The Perfect Storm,” examines the turbulence of our times—geopolitical conflicts, ideological shifts, and social unrest—while also addressing the evolving nature of Islam in “The Islamic Reformation.” It sets the tone for a world in flux, where disruption becomes the breeding ground for reinvention. Part II, “The World Megatrends,” focuses on the technological and environmental forces shaping the 21st century—from the rise of the digital workplace and renewable energy transitions to the growing urgency of climate change. It also explores the fusion of nanotechnology, biotechnology, and neuroscience, painting a picture of a future where science can redefine humanity itself.
Part III, “Agenda Setting,” lays out twelve strategic pillars that nations and institutions might adopt to build resilient, equitable, and future-ready societies. Moving into more philosophical terrain, Part IV, “Bold Choices,” reimagines concepts often left unexplored in futurism—such as love, governance, and happiness—provoking readers to think about not just what the future will look like, but how it will feel. Finally, Part V, “Some Ideas for the Future,” takes a leap into speculative design and geoengineering, suggesting projects like the creation of artificial islands off the coasts of Mumbai and Lagos—bold symbols of innovation in the face of rising seas and urban congestion. Each part is richly layered with insight, imagination, and a call to action, making #Forwardism not just a book but a blueprint for the next renaissance.
“We applaud #Forwardism, in which the authors focus on what is possible instead of what is not. Their approach is pragmatic and practical, yet also creative,” writes Bernd Scholtz, Head of the Economic Department at the Dutch Embassy in India, in the book’s foreword. “Their out-of-box thinking resonates with us, as does their advocacy for Karma Capitalism and Happynomy—the Economy of Happiness.”
Looking Ahead
While I’ve only skimmed through the book for now (we were each gifted a copy at the event), #Forwardism promises to be a rare blend of foresight, philosophy, and practical policy thinking. It doesn’t just ask what the future might look like—it invites readers to imagine how we can shape it.
The evening ended with a thoughtful audience interaction, where attendees shared insights from their fields—ranging from technology and education to governance and sustainability—and how they see the future unfolding.
As we walked out, the question that lingered wasn’t whether these changes would happen, but whether we’re ready for them. And perhaps that’s the essence of Forwardism—not just predicting the future, but participating in its making.
If you’re curious about where the world might be headed and how nations like India can ride the waves of transformation, this book—and the conversation it sparks—is worth your time.
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