From sports to space, infra development, manufacturing & science to startups, it’s India’s decade: Anurag Thakur

Jammu, Mar 28 (Representative) Union Minister of Information, Broadcasting, Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, Anurag Singh Thakur on Wednesday said that from sports to space, infrastructure development, manufacturing and science to startups, it is India’s decade. Stressing on the exceptional performance of the Indian youth in the last ten years, Thakur speaking at the Viksit Bharat Ambassador Meet Up at the IIM Jammu Jagti Campus, highlighted India’s remarkable progress over the past decade, emphasising its emergence as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally. The event aimed to shed light on India’s epochal journey towards becoming a developed nation, under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He proudly emphasised how we have come far from the fragile five to the leading five economies across the globe.

He urged the youth to contribute towards India’s upward trajectory, envisioning a prosperous ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). The minister underscored the importance of skilling India’s youth population and praised initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission for positively impacting millions of households. Acknowledging the role of technology and Agri-tech startups in modernising agriculture, Thakur highlighted initiatives which empower entrepreneurs and boost economic growth. He lauded India’s strides in infrastructure development, public sector project execution, and tax reduction to attract foreign investment. The success of initiatives like the Khelo India Initiative and India’s progress in gender equality were also celebrated during his address. The event commenced with Kritika Padode introducing the audience to the Viksit Bharat Ambassador Programme while Thakur was welcomed by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director of IIM Jammu.

A walk around the campus and a plantation ceremony added a symbolic touch to the occasion, culminating in the planting of a Rudraksh sapling at the IIM Jammu Campus. Prof. Sahay, delivered the welcome address at the Viksit Bharat Ambassador meet up. He commended the exponential progress of the nation in all fields including but not exclusive to infrastructure development, education, energy, women empowerment, and healthcare including focus on environmental sustainability, economic development. He reiterated the commitment of the Prime Minister to transforming India into a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. The event also featured a Q&A session with Thakur, providing an opportunity for students to engage directly with the Minister of Information, Broadcasting, Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, marking the end of a truly enriching and insightful gathering.