Summary
The event focused on the importance of public participation in making India a developed nation and the decisive roles of institutions like IIT Guwahati
In addition to the Hon’ble Chief Guest, the Hon’ble Finance Minister of Assam, Smt. Ajanta Neog, and Shri Hitesh Jain, Member of the core team, Viksit Bharat Ambassador, also attended the event
Hon’ble Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Government of India, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, graced the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati. With her presence on 14 March 2024, during the Viksit Bharat Ambassador Dialogue held at the institute. The developmental dialogue centered around the topic of the Hon’ble 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, Hon’ble Chief Guest emphasized the pivotal role of its citizens in driving this transformative journey.
In his welcome address, Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Officiating Director of IIT Guwahati, 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 Northeast India 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’."
During her address to the gathering, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Government of India, stated, "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 Hon'ble 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.”
Hon’ble Chief Guest Nirmala Sitharaman during her address at IIT Guwahati
Hon’ble Chief Guest further added, "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. 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. 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."
In addition to the Hon’ble Chief Guest, the Hon’ble Finance Minister of Assam, Smt. Ajanta Neog, and Shri Hitesh Jain, Member of the core team, Viksit Bharat Ambassador, also attended the event. Among other dignitaries from the Institute were Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Officiating Director, along with students and staff.
Addressing the audience, Smt. Ajanta Neog, Hon’ble Finance Minister of Assam, expressed, “As India undergoes the transformative journey towards Amrit Kaal by the year 2047, with support from the Central Government, the state of 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 the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji.”
Smt. Ajanta Neog further said, “IIT Guwahati has played a pivotal role in enhancing the reputation of Assam, contributing significantly to its positive image. Through collective 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, Shri 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. His insightful remarks underscored the power of individual actions in driving positive change and contributing to the nation's progress.
In addition to the keynote address, Hon’ble Chief Guest 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.
As a premier institution of higher learning, IIT Guwahati stands at the forefront of fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development, empowering its students to become catalysts of positive change in society. Furthering the clarion call set forth by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Sh. Narendra Modi, urging every citizen to become a proud Viksit Bharat Ambassador, IIT Guwahati reaffirms its steadfast commitment to this people-powered movement.
Last updated on 15 Mar 2024
