Srinagar hosted a momentous gathering under the banner of the Viksit Bharat Ambassador or VBA 2024. Held at the prestigious Radisson Collection, the event served as a unique platform, bringing together diverse voices and perspectives to foster the nation's collective advancement towards development.
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri along with Shehla Rashid and other delegates at the Viksit Bharat Ambassadors Meet in Srinagar.
— The Kashmir Monitor (@Kashmir_Monitor) April 20, 2024
Photos by @UmarGanie1 for The Kashmir Monitor pic.twitter.com/pkNp6E1Z65
Graced by the esteemed presence of Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri as the Chief Guest, the event saw the attendance of over 400 distinguished members of society, representing influencers, industry stalwarts, environmentalists, and young minds, including first-time voters. Presidents of Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Kashmir Industrial Corporation, House Boat Owners Association, and members of the writers' association were also present.
An engaging interaction on a wide range of issues pertaining to India’s journey through #AmritKaal & the transformation in Jammu & Kashmir after removal of Article 370 with an enthusiastic group of #ViksitBharatAmbassadors in Srinagar. https://t.co/IyMYMeBQvS
— Hardeep Singh Puri (मोदी का परिवार) (@HardeepSPuri) April 20, 2024
The VBA 2024 meetup began with an interesting panel discussion on Viksit Kashmir, which focused on the symbiotic relationship between industry growth and sustainable development. This was followed by an interactive session by Minister Puri, who engaged with the attendees through an engaging presentation. Another event highlight was the live doodle capture by a local artist of the discussions.
कितनी ख़ूबसूरत ये तस्वीर है!
— Hardeep Singh Puri (मोदी का परिवार) (@HardeepSPuri) April 20, 2024
जिन हाथों में कभी पत्थर थमा दिए जाते थे वो हाथ आज अपनी तक़दीर संवार रहे हैं! भारत को और कश्मीर को खुशहाली के रास्ते पे ले जा रहे हैं!
ये नये भारत का नया कश्मीर है!
It was a delight to interact with the aspirational youth of Srinagar in a meeting with… pic.twitter.com/isiglCiqOb
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri discussed how India has changed in the last decade. He said India is on track to become one of the world's top three economies, surpassing Germany and Japan soon.
"The country is set to surpass Germany and Japan and will become the world's third-largest economy by 2027-28," he said.
According to official estimates, India's economy is projected to reach a remarkable $40 trillion by 2040. Presently, the economy stands at approximately $3.5 trillion.
"By 2040, our economy will reach 40 trillion dollars, and we will be among the top two economies in the world," says Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri at the Viksit Bharat Ambassador Srinagar meetup pic.twitter.com/aMZP3jzryO
— IANS (@ians_india) April 20, 2024
He also stressed that India's progress is incomplete without a developed Kashmir.
"Bharat cannot be Viksit without a Viksit Kashmir," he said.
VIDEO | “Some misguided elements were giving money to some people to come and pelt stones. Look at the change and sheer employment generation that is taking place through the tourism industry, through connectivity,” says Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) on Jammu… pic.twitter.com/f1oZ91b3nk
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 20, 2024
Hardeep Puri reflected on India's economic journey, noting that in the 1700s, India contributed a significant 25% to the global GDP. However, as experts documented, this figure gradually dwindled to a mere 2% by 1947.
He highlighted how India, once renowned as the 'sone ki chidiya' (golden bird), lost its economic strength during British colonial rule and continued to struggle even after gaining independence, remaining categorized under the 'Fragile Five' until 2014.
Puri emphasized that the true shift in India's economic trajectory commenced under the Modi government. Over the past decade, the nation has ascended from among the top 11 economies to ranking among the top 5 globally.
Empowering dialogue at the #ViksitBharatAmbassador Srinagar Meet Up today!
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 20, 2024
400+ influencers, industry titans, environmentalists, writers, and first-time voters united at @VBA2024 to pledge for Viksit Bharat, Viksit Jammu-Kashmir.
Union Minister @HardeepSPuri ignited passion and… pic.twitter.com/I6CCY6PwFq
The Union Minister also encouraged everyone to participate in the Viksit Bharat 2047 mission, emphasizing that achieving this dream requires the active engagement and coordination of all "ambassadors" of change.
'In just a few days.. Change in Kashmir will happen at a faster rate...' says Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri at Viksit Bharat Ambassador Program Srinagar Meetup pic.twitter.com/hBEkrypjur
— IANS (@ians_india) April 20, 2024
He highlighted India's rapid progress in metro network development, stating that the operational metro network spans approximately 950 kilometres. He expressed confidence that within the next 2-3 years, India's metro network will expand to become the second-largest globally, surpassing that of the United States.
Regarding Jammu and Kashmir, he mentioned that through the Smart project, over 68 projects totalling Rs 6,800 crores were conceptualized, with Rs 3,200 crores worth of projects already completed.
He further stated that Jammu and Kashmir possesses more potential than Switzerland but has faced setbacks due to man-made crises. He emphasized the Modi government's dedication to the comprehensive development of the region.
BJP is set for a convincing and resounding win in 2024 under the leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi Ji and these elections will be a significant milestone in our journey towards a #ViksitBharat.@BJP4India pic.twitter.com/Eoa1ZhdY34
— Hardeep Singh Puri (मोदी का परिवार) (@HardeepSPuri) April 20, 2024
The minister highlighted a significant government policy shift from women-centred to women-led development. Drawing from his extensive experience as a diplomat spanning 39 years, he shared that when a country transitions to women-led development, there is typically a substantial GDP increase of 20-30%.
He mentioned that the government is actively pursuing this objective, citing examples such as the Awas Yojana, where houses are registered in the names of women household members, and the implementation of 33% reservation for women in elected bodies as part of this broader mission.
He also provided insight into the transformative impact of the Modi government's welfare policies on people's lives. He highlighted the Ujjwala Yojana, noting that 32 crore individuals have received LPG cylinders, a significant increase from the 14 crore connections in 2014. Additionally, he mentioned the expansion of the gas pipeline network, which has grown from 14,000 km to over 20,000 km over the past ten years.
#WATCH | Srinagar, J&K: Addressing the Viksit Bharat Ambassador programme, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri says, "We launched the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana under my ministry (Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas)... We increased the gas connections from 14 crores to 32… pic.twitter.com/0r19IbP1TI
— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2024
This doodle art encapsulates the spirit of today's #ViksitBharatAmbassador Meet-up in Srinagar. Syed Mursaleen, a talented doodle artist from Kashmir, beautifully portrays the artistic vision of Viksit Bharat Viksit Kashmir#VBA2024 pic.twitter.com/x7DeKXurjC
— Viksit Bharat Ambassador (@VBA2024) April 20, 2024
"To make our nation developed, we all will have to work collectively. The Viksit Bharat Ambassador program is one such initiative helping the cause," says an attendee of the Srinagar meetup. pic.twitter.com/4k8BzAQHI7
— IANS (@ians_india) April 20, 2024
Young artist Syed Mursaleen made a doodle art of the Viksit Bharat Ambassador, Srinagar event proceedings. He also made a sketch of Hon. Union Minister Sh. @HardeepSPuri ji’s which was presented to him after his talk. Kashmir is full of talent, hope and inspiration.
— Shehla Rashid (@Shehla_Rashid) April 20, 2024
📷 Sumaiya… pic.twitter.com/OasgLa9WS7
The Vision of Viksit Bharat: 140 crore dreams, 1 purpose
The Viksit Bharat Ambassador movement aims to encourage citizens to take responsibility for contributing to India's development. VBA meet-ups and events are being organized in various parts of the country to achieve this goal. These events provide a platform for participants to engage in constructive discussions, exchange ideas, and explore practical strategies for contributing to the movement.
Join the movement on the NaMo App: https://www.narendramodi.in/ViksitBharatAmbassador
The NaMo App: Bridging the Gap
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's app, the NaMo App, is a digital bridge that empowers citizens to participate in the Viksit Bharat Ambassador movement. The NaMo App serves as a one-stop platform for individuals to:
Join the cause: Sign up and become a Viksit Bharat Ambassador and make 10 other people
Amplify Development Stories: Access updates, news, and resources related to the movement.
Create/Join Events: Create and discover local events, meet-ups, and volunteer opportunities.
Connect/Network: Find and interact with like-minded individuals who share the vision of a developed India.
The 'VBA Event' section in the 'Onground Tasks' tab of the 'Volunteer Module' of the NaMo App allows users to stay updated with the ongoing VBA events.
