Excelsior Correspondent
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Feb 28 : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh traced India’s journey from civilisational resilience to technology leadership and said that India’s journey from being counted among the “Fragile Five” economies in 2014 to emerging as the world’s fourth largest economy reflects a decisive shift in national confidence, capability, and direction. He said India is now firmly on course to become the third largest economy in the near future and achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Delivering the P. Parameswaran Memorial lecture on the theme “Viksit Bharat @2047: Science, Technology and Future Ready Innovation for National Transformation” at Kowdiar, Thiruvananthapuram, Dr. Singh described the occasion as providential, as the lecture coincided with National Science Day. The programme was organised by “Bharatheeya Vichara Kendram” in memory of P. Parameswaran, the renowned thinker, ideologue, and social leader.
Beginning his address with a reflection on India’s civilizational journey, Dr. Singh said that India is an ancient civilization that has survived invasions, colonial rule and systemic exploitation, yet has emerged stronger with renewed self-belief. He said that the real spirit of democracy has deepened in recent years, empowering even the most underprivileged citizen to aspire without barriers.
He said democracy becomes meaningful when even a mother in the poorest household can dream that her child can become a scientist, doctor, or civil servant, and believe that the system will allow that dream to be realised.
In the field of innovation, he said that in 2014 India ranked 81st in the Global Innovation Index and has since climbed to 38th position. The country now has over two lakh startups generating more than 21 lakh jobs. He recalled that when “Start Up India” was announced in 2015, the concept was unfamiliar to many; today it has evolved into a nationwide movement. Nearly half of these startups are emerging from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, and a significant share are women-led enterprises.
Dr Singh said that the conventional discourse on women empowerment is undergoing a shift, as women scientists and innovators are leading some of the country’s most prestigious national missions in space, science and governance.
On research output, he said India ranks sixth globally in patent filings, with more than 60 percent filed by resident Indians. The country is among the top nations in scientific publications, with a growing number of highly cited research papers. Thousands of Indian scientists feature among the top two percent globally, reflecting the global recognition of Indian scientific talent.
Speaking about space and nuclear sectors, the Minister said that policy reforms have opened new avenues for private participation, resulting in a sharp expansion of India’s space economy. Indigenous capabilities in defence and advanced technologies have also grown significantly, with rising exports and increasing self-reliance.
Dr. Singh referred to the Ocean Mission and said India is uniquely placed, being the only country with an ocean named after it. He said the exploration of marine resources, deep-sea minerals and biodiversity will play a major role in future value addition to the national economy.
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