Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the permanent campus of IIM Sambalpur, Odisha on Saturday via video conferencing. Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, Till 2014, there were 13 IIMs in India. Today, there are 20 IIMs. Such a large talent pool can help strengthen the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' campaign."

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After inaugurating the IIM, PM Modi started his address by saying, " the students and said students of Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) across the nation should work towards turning ‘local’ into ‘global’. "

Stressing on the need for ‘inclusive development’, PM Modi said that students should focus on ‘brand India’ while ensuring that their vision incorporates the less privileged sections of society.

“This decade will be devoted to the development of new Multinational corporations (MNCs) in India. Today’s startups are tomorrow’s MNCs. These are largely growing in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. These startups need able managers and those passing out of these institutions will lead the way,” PM Modi said.

“It is our responsibility to get a global recognition for ‘brand India’. Those who will be a part of this institution need to encourage development and focus on inclusivity of all,” he added.

Key Highlights of PM Modi's speech:

  • "Management experts, who are coming out with new experiences in new areas of the country, will play a big role in taking India to new heights. This year India has given more unicorns than previous years despite the Covid-19 crisis", said PM Modi.

  •  PM also said, "To turn local into global, IIM students need to find new and innovative solutions. I’m certain that our IIMs can act as a bridge between local products and global collaborations."

  • The work pattern and demand for management skills are changing rapidly. Today, top-down and top-heavy management isn’t the need. It has changed to collaborative, innovative, and transformative management.

  • PM also shifted focus to the Coronavirus situation in the country and said, "During Covid, India found permanent solutions for PPE kits, masks, and ventilators. India had perpetually adopted short-term measures for problem-solving. Today, India has changed its approach to long-term solutions."

  • PM also focused on how the world changed during the pandemic and said, "with the concept of work from anywhere, the whole world has changed from a global village to a global workplace. India too has swiftly done all the necessary reforms in the last few months."

  • PM also said, "India’s gas coverage stands at over 98%, helped by our long-term solution approach. You know that turning coverage into 100% is the real challenge and we’re striving hard for it."