New Delhi, Aug 23: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday highlighted the transformation in Jammu and Kashmir, noting the region’s immense potential in youth power, natural resources, tourism, horticulture, handicrafts, and hydropower. He urged industry leaders to actively invest in the Union Territory, ensuring it becomes a vital contributor to India’s development story.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has created confidence and opened new avenues for the youth in Jammu Kashmir. It is the collective responsibility of Industry now to make Jammu and Kashmir a subject of constructive action. We must recognise its hydropower potential. Connect its horticulture, tourism and handicrafts with global markets. The intervention of industry leaders in every sector of Jammu Kashmir will be an investment in India’s future,” Sinha said as he addressed the World Wisdom Forum, organised by the IIT Alumni Council in New Delhi.
In his keynote address, the Lieutenant Governor congratulated the Council for its efforts in bringing together eminent personalities to deliberate on the theme of Viksit Bharat and India’s collective future.
“We must create the future rather than purchase it by becoming not just a consumer but a global creator of technologies, innovations, and ideas. We must resolve that we will not merely use artificial intelligence; we will also contribute to the future of artificial intelligence. We must resolve that we will not import innovation; we will export innovation,” he said.
The LG emphasised the importance of unity in progress and underscored that India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation must be inclusive, rooted in tradition yet forward-looking, and balanced between technological strength and human sensitivity.
“I believe that when a group of people from different sectors has a deep desire to achieve something, the pain and intensity of that yearning can ultimately become the means of achieving it. Just as a seed buried in the soil is restless to germinate, if the energy of a nation becomes intensely eager to achieve its goals, nothing is impossible,” he said.
Reflecting on India’s aspirations under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sinha said the seed of Viksit Bharat has already sprouted and historic milestones have been achieved in the past 12 years.
The Lieutenant Governor identified five major challenges that eminent personalities, industries, business leaders, and engineers must address together to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat.
First, transforming India’s vast young population into a skilled workforce equipped with expertise in emerging technologies is important for us and also ensuring sustainable development by balancing progress with environmental responsibility.
Second, we need to strengthen institutions by building transparent, accountable, and efficient institutions responsive to citizens’ needs.
Third, we should focus on ensuring balanced regional development by bridging gaps between advanced cities and underserved regions to create equitable growth.
Fourth, we must create the future rather than purchase it by becoming not just a consumer but a global creator of technologies, innovations, and ideas.
Fifth, we must resolve that we will not merely use artificial intelligence; we will also contribute to the future of artificial intelligence. “We must resolve that we will not import innovation; we will export innovation,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor urged the younger generation to prepare themselves for the responsibilities of 2047, when India will celebrate 100 years of independence, and to ensure that the nation’s progress uplifts every region and community.
“The new generation, which will be at the peak of its careers and energy in 2047, must ask itself today: When India becomes a developed nation, what will you be creating? What impact will my creation have on society, and how will it affect people’s lives? Although eminent personalities are engaged in different activities, I strongly believe that together they are creating one common thing—the future of India. We must contribute to the welfare of our country, society and humanity as a whole,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Shashank Mani Tripathi, Member of Parliament; Ravi Sharma, President, IIT Alumni Council; Dr. Ashish Chauhan, MD & CEO, National Stock Exchange (NSE); eminent alumni of IIT and prominent citizens from different walks of life were present.
