The Republic Day on January 26 falls between two other very important days, marking a pivotal period for India's entrepreneurial landscape. Just ten days ago, on January 16, the nation celebrated the National Startup Day, shining a spotlight on the innovative spirit that continues to drive the Indian startup industry. This annual observance not only applauds the achievements of existing startups but also serves as a platform to inspire and nurture aspiring entrepreneurs across the country.
As celebrated Republic Day 2024 and stand at the crossroads of National Startup Day and the forthcoming Union Budget on February 1, the stage is set to explore the dynamic trajectory of entrepreneurship in India.
Modi's Startup Vision For The Republic Of India
At the heart of this entrepreneurial surge is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary approach towards fostering a thriving startup ecosystem in the Republic of India. Over the years, PM Modi has consistently emphasized the importance of startups as the backbone of economic growth and job creation. His initiatives, such as 'Startup India' and 'Standup India,' have not only provided a conducive environment for budding entrepreneurs but have also paved the way for groundbreaking ideas to flourish.
Small Steps Towards A Larger Goal - A New & Stronger India
It is in line with the same vision that we began witnessing a revolution in 2016 when the startup mission was launched. India has nearly 1.14 lakh startups at the moment. In just eight years, it is already the world's third-largest Startup ecosystem.
We already have the Bronze and are going for the Gold. Waves of foreign attacks and colonial oppression had suppressed the Indian entrepreneurial mindset. Even after Independence, the scourage of ‘license raj’ took over. That is precisely, why among other things, the Startup movement should be celebrated this Republic Day.
The emergence of India as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally is a testament to the transformative power of collective aspirations and strategic interventions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a 'New India' is intricately woven with the threads of startup success stories, where each venture becomes a catalyst for change and progress.
Balancing Welfare and Capitalism
The Startup movement is not aimed at the benefit of a few. It should be a movement that changes the lives of the masses. India has done this through various careful and thoughtful economic policies.
The art of handling political economy is something world leaders can learn from Narendra Modi. This subject itself needs a deep data-driven white paper. But to sum up, India has 1016 Direct Benefit Transfer Payment schemes that at any given point of time are benefitting its 104.02 crore population. As per data from the union budget of 2022-23, India has 740 central sector welfare schemes and around 70 centrally supported welfare schemes.
At the same time the Republic of India today is a USD 3 trillion economy .
The consistency and commitment of the government to the Republic are evident here.
Inclusiveness
- Recognising and honouring the sacrifices of the bravest of brave Indian soldiers, the Modi government named 21 Andaman-Nicobar islands in the honour of 21 Paramveer Chakra recipients. These recipients saved the nation during various wars India fought after independence. This includes names from almost all corners and faiths of India. Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Catholic.
- Modi's decision to reserve the first row at the Republic Day parade for commoners is another example of how India honors its people. The VIP rows are reserved on Republic Day in honor of the laborers who worked on building the VISTA project of the Indian parliament. The list includes the names of workers of different faiths.
- This will be the first time India will celebrate its Republic Day out of the shadows of her colonial past. This year Modi renamed the Rajpath (Road of the British Raj) to Kartavya Path.
- Meanwhile, Modi shifted the Amar Jawan Jyoti from the shadows of the British-era India Gate. He merged its flame into another beacon and created a national war memorial honoring all the soldiers who fought for the country after independence, including one who died. A total of 1351 names are etched all over the place. These names include soldiers of all faiths.
In the past 8 years, India has developed into the fifth-largest economy in the world, the world's third startup hub with over 110 unicorns, the world's vaccine hub, and the most sought-after investment destination.
Therefore, as India marks her 75th Republic Day, we should not be concerned with motivated propaganda, but rather celebrate India's inclusive, prosperous and vibrant democracy as we prepare for the future.
Jai Hind and happy Republic Day to all. Watch Republic Day Parade
Video Source: YouTube Channel, Narendra Modi