New Delhi: Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman graced the 'Viksit Bharat Ambassador Dialogue' held at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) on Thursday. The dialogue, focused on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Viksit Bharat 2047' initiative, aimed to propel India into a developed nation by 2047, commemorating 100 years of independence. Sitharaman also underscored the crucial role of citizens in steering this transformative journey towards development.
In her address, Sitharaman expressed satisfaction in highlighting the northeastern region's evolution into a driving force for the nation's development, as stated by the IITG media cell.
She cited milestones such as the Semiconductor Assembly and Test Facility in Assam, the pioneering International Multimodal Logistics Park, the inauguration of the National Sports University, and the Hooghly-Cochin Shipyard Limited (HCSL), among others, as significant achievements indicating the region's leadership in pioneering initiatives nationwide.
“The Semiconductor Assembly and Test Facility in Assam represent a momentous achievement in our journey. With India’s pioneering international multimodal Logistics Park, the inaugural National Sports University, the northeast’s premier Ship Repair facility, the Hooghly-Cochin Shipyard Limited (HCSL), and the introduction of the first Gati Shakti Research Chair, shows that the northeastern states have led the charge in groundbreaking initiatives across the nation,” Sitharaman said.
The Finance Minister reaffirmed the Central government's steadfast commitment to providing comprehensive support to the northeastern states as part of the ‘Viksit Bharat at 2047’ mission.
Sitharaman also highlighted a range of initiatives aimed at bolstering development in the region, including advancements in palm oil cultivation, bamboo technology integration for sustainability, semiconductor manufacturing, drone technology utilisation in agriculture and healthcare, and educational reforms.
The Union Minister called upon Viksit Bharat ambassadors to actively engage in this transformative journey towards realising India's vision of development.
Following her address, Sitharaman engaged in an interactive session with IITG students, stressing the significance of youth empowerment and innovation in driving India towards its development goals. She encouraged young minds to leverage their skills and creativity for transformative change.