Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAr, Nov 16: Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh today said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are happy with the changes witnessed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Speaking to reporters here after inaugurating the CSIR Healthcare Theme Conclave at SKICC, Dr. Jitendra said that a common man wants to be a part of the country’s journey of progress, noting that, due to the PM, J&K has received the attention it craved for decades.
“The common people in J&K, wherever they are, are happy and satisfied with the transformations witnessed under the leadership of Modi and want to be a part of India’s journey progress,” he said.
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He added that the youngsters of Kashmir are aspirational and do not want to “miss the bus,” referring to the opportunities created by the Prime Minister across the country.
“The opportunities given by the PM to the youth of the country are something Kashmiri youngsters do not want to miss; they do not want to be left behind,” he said.
The Union Minister said that J&K has immense resources in healthcare and agri-startups, noting that these avenues had never been looked into or explored before. “For the first time, under PM Modi, J&K received the attention it craved for decades,” he said.
Dr. Jitendra also mentioned that J&K has gifted the nation the ‘Purple Revolution,’ which, he said, began in Gulmarg and Bhaderwah and has now extended to Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
“The credit for this achievement goes to Prime Minister Modi, who has always been encouraging and has repeatedly mentioned it in his radio broadcast, ‘Mann Ki Baat,'” he said.
Dr. Jitendra, who is looking after several Ministries including Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, also described J&K as a key player in India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ journey.
He presented a vibrant picture of India’s innovation-driven future, emphasizing the transformative potential of biotechnology, space technology, and youth-led startups, positioning J&K as a treasure trove of untapped resources.
Addressing a packed audience of doctors, scientists, innovators, and young entrepreneurs, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that India’s startup ecosystem, now the third-largest globally with over 1.6 lakh ventures, stands as a testament to the nation’s entrepreneurial spirit.
“From just 350 startups a decade ago, we’ve grown exponentially, becoming a powerhouse of innovation,” he said.
Citing examples from the region, he highlighted the success story of lavender cultivation as proof of the area’s potential.
“When a young entrepreneur earns Rs 15,000 per vial of lavender oil, why should our youth stand in line for government jobs?” he asked, challenging the audience to rethink traditional career paths.
Dr. Jitendra stressed the critical role of Himalayan States, including J&K, in driving sustainable growth and innovation.
“As resources in other parts of the country diminish, the untouched potential of this region will lead India’s growth story,” he stated, adding that this transition is supported by robust Government policies and the unwavering determination of the nation’s youth.
The Minister also highlighted India’s remarkable progress in the space sector, achieved through public-private partnerships.
“Three years ago, we had just single-digit collaborations in space; today, over 300 global-standard partners have joined hands with ISRO. Our first-generation space startups are now celebrated entrepreneurs and knowledge leaders,” he shared.
Dr. Jitendra credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary policies for catalyzing these achievements. “The launch of Startup India was more than a slogan; it was the spark that ignited a nationwide movement,” he noted.
The Minister also outlined the extraordinary strides in biotechnology, an area he called the future of the global economy.
He pointed to pioneering achievements, such as India’s first DNA vaccine and the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer, which underscore the nation’s scientific prowess.
“In 2014, India’s bio-economy was worth just $10 billion. Today, it stands at $130 billion, and we are on track to reach $300 billion by 2030,” he announced.
He also spoke passionately about Jammu and Kashmir’s role in this transformation. “The region is poised to become a bio-economy hub, driving the next industrial revolution with its unique natural resources.”
Dr. Jitendra Singh made a heartfelt appeal to young innovators, urging them to become “the architects of 2047 India.”
He emphasized the importance of societal awareness, suggesting that parents accompany their children to such conclaves to bridge generational knowledge gaps.
It is pertinent to mention here that the two-day conclave brings together experts and stakeholders to discuss healthcare advancements, biotechnology, and sustainable development strategies, featuring exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge innovations, particularly from young startups.
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