Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar reaffirmed India’s ambitious goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 during his address at the 2nd Convocation of Mahatma Gandhi Central University in Motihari, Bihar. He emphasized that achieving this vision requires significant collective effort and contributions from all sections of society.
“A developed India by 2047 is not just a dream; it is our goal. However, achieving this goal will require great sacrifices and contributions from everyone. Consider this: for a developed India, the current per capita income needs to increase eightfold,” said Dhankar.
Technological Transformation
Highlighting the transformative role of technology, Dhankar called it a “major revolution” in service delivery across the country. He reflected on the drastic improvements in everyday processes:
“The world is amazed that in a country of 140 crore people, technology is reaching the farthest corners. Service delivery is being facilitated through technology. Tasks like paying electricity bills or obtaining passports, which earlier required standing in long queues, now happen effortlessly on mobile devices.”
Bihar’s Renaissance
The Vice President spoke about Bihar’s resurgence, noting the renewed focus on development and law and order. He specifically mentioned Nalanda, a historical center of learning, as a symbol of Bihar’s revival.
“This land has started to shine again. Nalanda had disappeared, but now Nalanda is visible once more. There is creation happening here, and development taking place,” he said.
Call for Environmental Responsibility
Dhankar also urged citizens to participate in environmental conservation by planting trees, referencing an initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated, “Imagine if 140 crore people planted a tree in their mother’s name. This could spark a massive revolution.”
Focus on Domestic Production
The Vice President underscored the importance of reducing dependence on imports, citing three drawbacks of importing goods that could be manufactured domestically:
1. Loss of foreign exchange reserves.
2. Reduced employment opportunities for Indians.
3. Hindered growth of domestic entrepreneurs.
He urged citizens to prioritize locally made products to foster job creation and entrepreneurship.
Encouragement for Students
Addressing students, Dhankar encouraged innovative thinking and entrepreneurship, highlighting government policies that support startups and ease access to funding.
“Tell students through workshops about the infinite possibilities available to them. Government policies are so supportive. Boys and girls, think out of the box,” he said.
Event Highlights
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Member of Parliament Radha Mohan Singh, and University Chancellor Dr. Mahesh Sharma. The Vice President concluded his speech by motivating the youth to take bold steps toward achieving India’s development goals.
