Startups Key To Empowering India in Science & Tech

The Union Minister of Defence, Rajnath Singh, has urged the youth to innovate and come up with new ideas in the field of Science & Technology to help make India stronger, self-reliant, and safer.

He was speaking at the 16th convocation of Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth (Deemed-to-be-University) in Udaipur, the Raksha Mantri stressed the importance of achieving excellence in Science & Technology as technology will increase across all sectors in the coming times.

The Raksha Mantri also enumerated the initiatives taken to promote an entrepreneurial mindset among the youth. 

He stated that a culture of venture capital funding has been developed for start-ups, which is important for their hand-holding at an early stage.

“The number of unicorns in the country has crossed 100 from just four or five eight-nine years. Approximately one lakh start-ups have emerged in the last few years. It is a big proof of the success of start-up-based innovation ecosystem,” he added.

Level Playing Field For The Young Minds

The Defence Minister highlighted that the Government is providing a level-playing field for young minds to ensure Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘New India’ is realised. He spoke of the National Education Policy 2020, which focuses on holistic education and campaigns such as Ayushman Bharat and the Fit India movement to create a healthy, educated and skilled workforce.

Initiatives To Promote Entrepreneurial Mindset

The Raksha Mantri also mentioned the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, where the Armed Forces, Defence Public Sector Undertakings, Indian Coast Guard and Paramilitary forces seek solutions to their problem statements from the general public. He also discussed the culture of venture capital funding, which has been developed for start-ups, as well as the rise of unicorns in India, with over 100 now in existence.

“We have already launched nine Defence India Start-up Challenges. Youths have provided solutions to many problem statements. We not only adopt the ideas of the youth, but take it forward by connecting them with investors and providing grants,” Singh said.

Imbibing Indian Traditions, Values & Culture Essential

Singh also stressed the importance of imbibing Indian traditions, values & culture, terming it as an essential aspect of character development. He urged the students to gain inspiration from personalities like Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, and Rabindranath Tagore, who put forth the values before society.

Strong Will Power Key To Achieving Goals

The Raksha Mantri also spoke about the importance of having a strong will to achieve any given task and not getting swayed away by the ups and downs. Referring to the news reports of suicides by IIT & NEET aspirants in Kota, he called upon the students to remember that no goal or dream is bigger than life.

Vidyapeeth Praised For All Round Progress

Singh lauded the Vidyapeeth for contributing to the all-around progress of the nation by implementing various plans in the fields of education, literature, culture, and history, besides adopting the latest technologies in line with changing times. He also unveiled the statue of renowned Rajput warrior and King of Mewar Maharana Pratap on the University premises, stating that it will encourage future generations to contribute to nation-building through education and inculcate patriotism and national spirit in their hearts.