APS PU City College Sports Inauguration

Bengaluru, December 11, 2023 – Today, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 'Vikshit Bharat @2047: Voice of the Youth' initiative. The event was graced by the virtual presence of Karnataka Governor Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, who participated from Raj Bhavan.

In his address during the program, Governor Gehlot highlighted the pivotal moment in India's history, emphasizing that the 21st century is poised to be India's century. With unwavering confidence in the nation's capabilities, he noted that India currently stands as the 5th largest economy globally and is projected to become the 3rd largest by 2027, crossing a GDP of US$ 5 trillion (IMF estimates). Looking ahead to 2047, India is on track to evolve into a US$ 30 trillion economy, embodying all the characteristics of a developed nation. Governor Gehlot declared, "India is set to become a Developed India."

Aligned with the Sustainable Development Agenda adopted in 2015, Governor Gehlot underscored the commitment to "ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all and promote lifelong learning opportunities" by 2030. Emphasizing the need to empower youth through the latest knowledge and technology, he asserted that skilling, upskilling, and re-skilling are crucial for fostering self-employment and contributing to the nation's development.

The 'Vikshit Bharat @2047: Voice of the Youth' initiative is a groundbreaking effort to provide a dynamic platform for the nation's youth to actively contribute innovative ideas and shape the future vision of Vikshit Bharat @2047. Governor Gehlot echoed the Prime Minister's vision to actively involve the youth in shaping national plans, priorities, and goals.

The overarching vision of 'Developed India @2047' aims to transform India into a developed nation by 2047, marking the 100th year of independence. Encompassing economic growth, social progress, environmental sustainability, and good governance, 'Developed India @2047: The Voice of the Youth' aligns youth aspirations with the goal of a developed India, representing a crucial step in harnessing collective intelligence and creativity.

Vice Chancellors of various universities shared their perspectives on this visionary project during the program.

Key Address Points by the Governor:

A robust India can be forged by leveraging the ambitious initiatives of the Government of India, such as Make in India, Digital India, Startup and Stand Up, which aim to generate significant employment opportunities for our citizens.

·        Our nation, once a global leader in knowledge and science, must reclaim its position through collaborative efforts that harness the skills, talents, and energy of our youth. The pivotal role of the youth in this endeavor cannot be overstated.

·        Over the past decade, our higher education system has seen remarkable growth, boasting 1,113 universities/university-level institutions, 43,796 colleges, and 11,296 stand-alone institutions, enrolling 4.33 crore students. The Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education has steadily risen to 28.4.

·        Significant strides have been made in the healthcare sector. Initiatives like the Poshan Mission have covered over 10 crore women and children, while vaccination coverage has increased from 62% to 81% under Mission Indradhanush. The next frontier is scaling healthcare to a global level.

·        Rural India is undergoing transformative changes, with near-universal coverage achieved in electricity, drinking water, bank accounts, roads, and mobile connectivity. Mobile phone and internet usage are widespread, with 120 crore mobile phone users and 80 crore internet users. The Unified Payment Interface (UPI) has over 30 crore users, processing 1,000 crore transactions per month.

·        The extensive expansion of the highway network and improvements in railways, including innovations like the Vande Bharat train, have enhanced travel convenience. Achievements in science and technology, such as the lunar mission, underscore our commitment to pushing boundaries.

·        India's demographic dividend, with an average age of 29 years and a youth population comprising 20% of the global total, presents a unique opportunity. Harnessing this dividend until 2047 can propel India toward becoming a developed nation.

·        Integrated governance has lifted 135 million people out of multidimensional poverty ahead of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Notable achievements in sports through Khelo India and milestones in space exploration, like Chandrayaan, showcase our excellence.

·        India's frugal innovation, termed 'Affordable Excellence,' sets a benchmark for other nations. Meeting climate targets ahead of schedule and leading in digital public infrastructure have enhanced our global credibility.

·        The DPI, a cornerstone of our digital progress, has positioned India as a world leader in digitization. Our leadership in the G20, with meetings held across the country, and the New Delhi Leaders Declaration mark significant milestones in our global standing.

·        Mission mode efforts are imperative to achieve the vision of a developed India by 2047. A bold, ambitious, and transformative agenda is needed to propel the nation forward.

·        Engaging the youth in nation-building is crucial. Inviting them to reflect on and contribute to the vision of a developed India by 2047 is an essential step in shaping the future of our nation.