Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 16: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that “Purple Revolution” originating from Doda had offered a Himalayan model of StartUp and entrepreneurship.
The Minister said that the initiative, which began from Bhaderwah in district Doda of Jammu and Kashmir with lavender cultivation and aroma-based enterprises, has evolved into a national success story. He noted that the model has now expanded to other Himalayan States and the Northeast. This has given rise to a new genre of startups rooted in local resources, scientific innovation and sustainable livelihood generation, Dr Jitendra Singh underscored.
Dr Jitendra Singh was addressing a programme at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) here on the occasion of National Startup Day.
The Union Minister said that these are the best times for young Indians, as they, now, have the opportunity to earn well by starting their own ventures, and emerge as job creators rather than job seekers.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has become the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, with over two lakh startups operating across diverse sectors, including biotechnology, information technology, agriculture and healthcare. Earlier, there a mere 350mto 400 startups in the country.
Recalling the Prime Minister’s clarion call of ‘stand up India start up India’ from the ramparts of the Red Fort a decade ago to promote startups, innovation and self-reliance, Dr Jitendra Singh said the Government responded with a comprehensive policy framework. This addressed long-standing gaps in funding, mentorship, market access and technology transfer, Dr Singh stated.
The Minister underlined the growing role of women entrepreneurs in India’s startup journey. He informed that 60,000 to 70,000 startups are currently led by women. This reflects inclusive growth and the breaking of traditional barriers. He said that women-led enterprises are playing a crucial role in social transformation and economic development.
Dr Jitendra Singh also emphasised the transformative impact of the National Education Policy (NEP), which has redefined India’s education system by offering students the freedom to choose subjects based on their aptitude, interests and skills. He said this flexibility is nurturing creativity, critical thinking and an entrepreneurial mindset among students, aligning education with the needs of a knowledge-driven economy.
Referring to past challenges, the Minister said that earlier generations of youth often lacked enabling support, institutional guidance and access to markets for translating ideas into enterprises. In contrast, the government has created a strong support system by providing financial assistance, market linkages and technological support through a network of incubators, accelerators, research institutions and startup-friendly policies.
Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted the pivotal role played by CSIR-IIIM in bridging the gap between scientific research and commercial application. He said the institute has been instrumental in promoting innovation-led entrepreneurship in areas such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agri-innovation, medicinal plants and aroma-based industries, thereby strengthening the regional startup ecosystem.
The Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to extending startup opportunities to aspirational, border and remote regions, ensuring balanced regional development and employment generation. He said empowering youth through innovation and entrepreneurship is central to achieving the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Dr Jitendra Singh urged young innovators, researchers and students to leverage the enabling ecosystem created by the government. He said they need to contribute to nation-building through science, technology and entrepreneurship.
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