India’s post-independence policy of using science and technology for national development, and investment in research and development infrastructure resulted in success in space, atomic energy, missile development and supercomputing. Use of space technology has impacted directly or indirectly the vast majority of India’s billion plus population. Developments in a number of emerging technologies in recent years hold the promise of impacting the future of ordinary Indians in significant ways, if a proper policy and enabling environment are provided. New telecom technologies – a digital rural exchange and a wireless access system – are beginning to touch the lives of common people. Development of a low-cost handheld computing device, use of hybrid telemedicine systems to extend modern healthcare to the unreached, and other innovative uses of IT at the grassroots also hold promise for the future. Decentralized power generation at village level can not only solve the power problem but also generate employment. Some of these emerging technologies hold promise for future, provided a positive policy and enabling environment. These technologies can change the face of India in near future, and help the developing world discover a new path.