Viksit Bharat@2047: IIT Guwahati hosts visionary dialogue with Nirmala Sitharaman

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 14, 2024

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said the Northeast region of the country has transformed into the driving force of our nation’s development

Sitharaman graced the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) during the Viksit Bharat Ambassador Dialogue held at the institute.

The developmental dialogue centred around the topic of the Prime Minister of India’s ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ goal, aimed at transforming India into a developed nation by 2047, marking 100 years of independence.

Delving into India’s ambition to achieve developed nation status by 2047, Sitharaman emphasized the pivotal role of its citizens in driving this transformative journey.

Sitharaman said, “I am pleased to announce that the Northeast region of our country has transformed into the driving force of our nation’s development. The foundation stone laying ceremony of the Tata Group’s ‘Semiconductor Assembly and Test Facility’ in Assam by the Prime Minister represents a momentous achievement in our journey.”

“From India’s pioneering international multimodal Logistics Park to the inaugural National Sports University, and the Northeast’s premier Ship Repair facility, Hooghly-Cochin Shipyard Limited (HCSL), along with the introduction of the first ‘Gati Shakti Research Chair, the northeastern states have led the charge in groundbreaking initiatives across the nation,” she said.

“As part of the Viksit Bharat@2047 mission, we are unwavering in our commitment to providing comprehensive support to the northeastern states of our nation. Through a spectrum of initiatives, the Government of India is dedicated to bolstering development across all sectors in the region,” she said.

“From advancing palm oil cultivation and manufacturing to integrating bamboo with technology for sustainability, semiconductor manufacturing, the utilization of drone technologies in agriculture and healthcare sectors, and education, the Viksit Bharat@2047 mission is driving progress in the region,” she also said.

“This transformative journey is made possible by the active involvement of Viksit Bharat Ambassadors, and I urge each one of you to engage actively in this forward-looking endeavour to realize the vision of a developed India,” she further said.

Sitharaman also engaged in an interactive session with IIT Guwahati students, underscoring the pivotal role of youth empowerment and innovation in propelling India towards its goal of becoming a developed nation.

She emphasized the imperative for the younger generation to harness their skills and creativity to drive transformative change.

Speaking on the occasion, Assam finance minister Ajanta Neog said: “As India undergoes the transformative journey towards Amrit Kaal by the year 2047, with support from the Central government, Assam has witnessed remarkable progress. From infrastructural development to fostering economic initiatives, promoting women empowerment, and advancing education, we have emerged as the embodiment of Ashta Lakshmi and the growth engine of Bharat, as envisioned by Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi ji.”

Neog further said, “IIT Guwahati has played a pivotal role in enhancing the reputation of Assam, contributing significantly to its positive image. Through collaboration, hard work, and a unity of purpose, we have transformed into a Viksit Assam.”

“I earnestly urge the students of IIT Guwahati to harness their abilities and energies for the betterment of society and the nation, reaffirming our commitment to the ethos of Nation First,”

Furthermore, Hitesh Jain, a distinguished core member of the Viksit Bharat Ambassador programme, passionately highlighted the pivotal role of Viksit Bharat Ambassadors in shaping our collective destiny. He stressed the importance of setting examples and actively engaging in various events, big or small, to foster India’s development journey.

Earlier, in his welcome address, IITG officiating director Prof Rajeev Ahuja remarked, “I welcome our esteemed guests to IIT Guwahati, and listen to their views on how India is progressing in the Amrit-Kaal.”

“It is a matter of great pride to witness how the Northeast has developed in the past years, and the vision of a Viksit Bharat@2047 inspires us to contribute significantly to the nation’s continued growth and prosperity. I urge the students to take this opportunity to gain wisdom and knowledge from our esteemed guests and work towards making India a ‘Vishwa Guru’,” Ahuja added.