Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a keynote address at the 23rd edition of the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, emphasizing India’s distinctive role amid global economic uncertainty. He noted India’s remarkable growth, self-assurance, and its transformative journey over the past decade, stating that India stands as a beacon of hope and innovation.
This year’s summit, themed “Transforming Tomorrow,” attracted leaders from diverse sectors, including politics, business, sports, health, science, and entertainment. Attendees aimed to capture the spirit of innovation, resilience, and growth that characterize this era.
In his speech, PM Modi highlighted several key points:
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Economic Growth: “When global growth is at 3 percent, the economies of G7 countries are somewhere near 1.5 percent. India is the model of high growth and low inflation,” he remarked.
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Self-Confidence: The Prime Minister addressed the significant upheavals the world has experienced, mentioning crises like the financial downturn and the global pandemic. “Today, the world is full of uncertainties, but amid this, our India is emerging in a different league,” he said, emphasizing India’s self-confidence.
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Shifting Narratives: Modi stated, “When the world talks about a slowdown, India writes stories of growth. It’s not just about figures; this is a fundamental change that India has brought about over the last decade.” He asserted that India is fostering a culture aimed at finding solutions and nurturing high aspirations.
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Region Benefits: He remarked on the technological advancements benefitting villages and smaller cities, stating, “Smaller cities have now become hubs of MSMEs. Farmers in villages are now connecting to a global hub.”
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Women’s Empowerment: Modi noted that Indian women are establishing their presence globally, contributing to the nation’s progress.
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Reform Approach: Highlighting changes in policy, he stated, “Reforms used to be reactionary in India… However, reform is now a given,” emphasizing that the intent is “nation first.”
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Colonial Mindset: He addressed the ongoing struggle to free India from colonial mentalities, signaling that even 79 years after independence, this challenge persists. He expressed a vision for 2035, the target year to surmount this “mindset of slavery,” coinciding with the bicentennial of Macaulay’s education policy.
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Trust in Citizens: Modi criticized the previous government’s lack of faith in citizens, asserting, “Our government broke that way of working. A citizen’s self-attested document is enough to prove its authenticity.”
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Unclaimed Funds: The Prime Minister pointed out that ₹78,000 crore of citizens’ money remains unclaimed in banks, along with ₹14,000 crore from insurance companies. He stated that efforts have been made to identify the owners of these funds and return them.
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Ten-Year Deadline: Modi announced a plan for the next decade aimed at overcoming colonial mentalities, emphasizing the importance of this timeframe for the transformation of national identity.
In closing, PM Modi questioned the framing of India’s economic narrative and urged a more proud acknowledgment of its growth trajectory.
Key takeaways from the address highlight India’s economic resilience and growth amidst global challenges, a noticeable shift in mentality toward solution-oriented thinking, and India’s role as a pillar of trust and innovation on the global stage.
