India is made up of 28 states, some with larger populations than large European countries like Germany. Uttar Pradesh alone has more than 240 million people. Kerala, once one of the poorest Indian states, experienced a miraculous transformation to become one of the richest. This state prioritized health and education, with high literacy levels and healthcare, leading to significant improvements in quality of life. The Kerala Model challenged the neoliberal approach to development, emphasizing standards of living over income growth. The state’s unique economic trajectory involved elements like private investment, remittances, and a history of Leftist political movements. Migration to the Gulf was a significant factor in Kerala’s economic growth.
https://aeon.co/essays/how-did-kerala-go-from-poor-to-prosperous-among-indias-states