Sitharaman Calls for Collective Effort to Realise Viksit Bharat Vision by 2047

Sitharaman Calls for Collective Effort to Realise Viksit Bharat Vision by 2047

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, April 28, 2026: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said every citizen must contribute towards nation-building to realise the vision of a developed India by 2047.

Delivering a talk on “Viksit Bharat - Vision for 2047” as part of the Nitte Vinaya Hegde Oration 2026 organised by Nitte (Deemed to be University) in Mangaluru, she said the goal requires confidence in India’s capabilities, shedding colonial-era mindsets, and resisting “naysayers” who undermine national confidence.

Highlighting India’s historical economic prominence, Sitharaman said the country once contributed nearly 24 per cent to global GDP before colonial rule reduced it to below four per cent, calling it not only an economic setback but also a blow to national spirit.

She said the last decade had marked a major turnaround, with India emerging as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, supported by a young median age of 28 years and a large educated workforce. Citing International Monetary Fund projections, she said India is expected to maintain a growth rate of 6.5 per cent through 2027.

The Finance Minister pointed to achievements such as lifting more than 25 crore people out of multidimensional poverty between 2013 and 2023, foreign exchange reserves touching 700 billion dollars, and the success of India’s digital public infrastructure.

Referring to the country’s digital transformation, she said the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) now processes billions of transactions annually and accounts for nearly half of the world’s real-time digital payments.

Sitharaman stressed that Viksit Bharat is not merely about GDP growth but about inclusive development that ensures opportunities for farmers, women, youth, and marginalised communities.

She said India has set a target of becoming a developed nation by 2047 and noted that the Karnataka coast had served as one of the country’s major trade centres nearly 2,000 years ago, dealing in commodities such as pepper, cardamom, and grains. She said understanding India’s rich history is essential for building a stronger nation.

Referring to the contributions of Nitte Vinaya Hegde, Sitharaman said personalities like him strengthened the nation by creating opportunities in education, healthcare, and employment at the grassroots level. She added that the vision of Viksit Bharat also aims at making India self-reliant.

The Finance Minister said the Viksit Bharat mission includes rural infrastructure development, access to clean drinking water, waste management, green energy initiatives, and the Swachh Bharat campaign. Measures are also being taken to increase capital investment, modernise infrastructure, and promote sustainable economic growth, she added.

Emphasising the importance of digitalisation, she said efforts are being made to expand the use of technology in agriculture, healthcare, and the service sector to ensure inclusive development. Priority is also being given to digitalising rural sectors and creating employment opportunities in villages.

Sitharaman said empowering youth and women forms a major part of the Viksit Bharat vision. Expressing regret, she said certain forces had obstructed the implementation of the Nari Samman Bill. She added that achievements such as the Chandrayaan-3 mission, the digital revolution, and comprehensive progress across sectors reflect the aspirations of a developed India.

She concluded by stating that Viksit Bharat requires a collective national effort involving the government, industry, academia, and citizens, driven by the aspirations of over 900 million young Indians.

Speaking on the occasion, Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U. T. Khader described Vinaya Hegde as a true humanitarian and said India’s strength lies in unity in diversity.

MP Brijesh Chowta, former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde, Chancellor Vishal Hegde, Pro-Chancellor Dr. Shantharam Shetty and Vice-Chancellor Prof. M. S. Moodithaya were among those present.