Participate in Viksit Bharat yajna to transform India: FM

Mangaluru: Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman characterised ‘Viksit Bharat 2047' as a national resolve, rather than a mere slogan, and urged citizens to collectively participate in a ‘massive yajna' to transform India into a developed nation within the coming two decades.The minister was delivering the Nitte Vinaya Hegde Oration on the theme ‘Viksit Bharat – Vision for 2047' at Nitte (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, on Tuesday.The FM warned against the psychological impact of detractors on those working toward the goal. She noted that Indian epics illustrate how the influence of "naysayers" on individuals making a solid contribution can be so critical that it can undermine national confidence. She emphasised that achieving the goal demands a belief in India's capabilities, the shedding of colonial-era mindsets, and resistance to "naysayers" who undermine national confidence."Viksit Bharat is not merely about GDP growth but about inclusive development to ensure opportunities for farmers, women, and marginalised communities. Viksit Bharat is not the responsibility of the govt alone. It is a national partnership between the Union, the states, the local govts, entrepreneurs, industry, academia, professionals, civil society and every citizen. The govt can build the platform, but the energy, the ideas and the discipline of 140 crore Indians will build the nation," she said.Stating that women can be the driving force to make Viksit Bharat a reality, Sitharaman said, "Unfortunately some political parties blocked women's reservation. It is shocking that they celebrated its defeat."Lauding the contributions of N Vinaya Hegde, an educationist, philanthropist and visionary social reformer, the minister said that he was a multifaceted personality who believed in nationalism, who wanted people to be responsible citizens.He didn't just sit and dream, he executed his dream through various educational institutions. To run an institution is one thing but prior to that to build one, especially with so many regulatory compliances that you have to follow and to keep up that standard is not a small thing at all. By his action Vinaya Hegde has actually shown what building a nation is all about. He was a man who didn't just build institutions, he built futures. He chose the tougher path of a pioneer transforming the educational opportunities in coastal Karnataka. He decided to make sure that he would contribute to society and the nation. So that true wealth is shared wealth, she said.Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, assembly speaker UT Khader, Nitte (Deemed to be University) chancellor Vishal Hegde, pro-chancellor M Shantharam Shetty and vice-chancellor MS Moodithaya were present.