West Bengal in 2050 is a state that has emerged strong and functional in the face of adversity. Due to the floods and environmental challenges, there is a shift and division of the population into four different areas of the state based on economic status.
One of the areas is the Sundarban Islands, which are a major tourist attraction, preserving wildlife and nature. The Islands are connected to the mainland by bridges used for access and transportation of goods.
An underwater town has come into existence because of the submersion and developed as a social hub with various experience-based recreational activities like bioluminescent walkways and artificial gravity swimming pools. Floating structures with mechanisms for purifying water surround this town.
On the areas on land, people living in and around the landfills and the industrial areas live in poverty compared to the middle-class society. This part is powered by the conversion of waste into thermal energy, generating electricity.
The people living in the landslide-prone areas now live in modular, stackable houses that can be moved to safer places with weight-bearing drones in case of an alert.
The main state area accommodates mostly a part of the middle-class society. The families are mostly nuclear having a single child leading to the rise in the number of studio apartments due to lack of space. The education system has gone through some reforms. Education is made more practical, interactive, technologically advanced and free for the first child of the family. The literacy rate has also increased to 92% in 2050 from 77% in 2020.
With the introduction of the Japanese MNC since 2030, the state started flourishing in the technology sector leading to significant Japanese influence in the work culture of people. The working system is professional and highly organised with a natural increase in home offices and coworking spaces. Workspaces continue to become smaller and automated. Day-cares are made mandatory at workspaces with more women getting involved in work.
There is an increase in small-scale and collaborative businesses. Online shopping is booming and Japanese products are flooding the market. The pharmaceutical business is booming as well due to increased diseases and addictions to medications. Introduction of auto-inventory checks and self-billing systems have lead shops to be attendant free.
West Bengal continues to be the largest producer of rice and fish in 2050 with constant up-gradation of technology with the help of Japan. Genetic modification to increase food production by increasing crop rotation and the use of SAP, along with planar agriculture has been instrumental in the growth of agriculture. However, tourism is now the most income-generating sector of the state.
Work stress and the increase in digital lifestyle has lead to health issues and the need for proper healthcare facilities. Healthcare is one of the best and fastest advancing systems. Healthcare is provided and accessible to all however, fees are charged as per people’s economic status. The number of doctors had reduced as well as the hospitals have become smaller due to machines and automation. The advancements in the medical field have led to the development of 3d printed organs.
The fusion of the two cultures became prevalent in the lifestyle of the citizens. Japanese ingredients and food preparations have become an important part of daily life. With the increase in the working population, the number of restaurants, packaged food and drone-delivered food has grown exponentially. Capsule food available in different flavours is eaten as supplements. Food grown with the help of genetic modification has brought about a change in people’s palettes as well as 3d printed has also come into practice.
Socially interactive spaces for experiencing quality time, gaming zones using VR and sport simulation centres are major advancements in the entertainment sectors. Live theatres, 3d screening and drone lighting shows are performed in public spaces. The Sundarban Islands and the underwater town are famous holiday destinations. Restoration of heritage sites allows people to explore the culture of the state.
Group gatherings and events build a strong community. People have good relations with each other however everyone is becoming busy day by day. Overall there is harmony and mutual acceptance of other values between cultures