Bhopal. August 24 was a very special day for Madhya Pradesh. Scholars from institutions across the country presented their respective views on the development of the state. They explained what they are doing and what they can do for the development of the state. The occasion was the state-level conclave “Contribution of Centrally Funded Institutions for Samriddh Madhya Pradesh @2047” organized at Kushabhau Thakre Auditorium in Bhopal. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated the program by lighting the lamp. He also released the “Samriddh Madhya Pradesh@2047” souvenir. The theme of this one-day conclave, organized by Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Good Governance and Policy Analysis (AIGGPA), is “One Institute–One Promise.”
On this occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an extraordinary time is currently underway. During the Ramayana period, when Lord Shri Ram’s army was preparing for war, Jambavant played the most important role. At that time, there was both a challenge and an opportunity, but Jambavant had to remind Lord Hanuman of his capabilities. Prime Minister Modi has also played the same role today that Jambavant played. He has made India realize the strength of India. CM Dr. Yadav said that India has the ability to face every challenge. Miracles have happened during his 12-year tenure. Whereas, a tenure of 12 years is a very short period. Today, a semiconductor unit is being established in Madhya Pradesh. What we could not imagine two or three years ago is happening today. Time has changed from one point to another. Today, all states have equal opportunities to move forward. He said that scholars from all institutions have gathered here today. Certainly, we will move towards development at an even faster pace.
This is the Major Challenge Before Us
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Israel became independent one year after our independence, while Japan was almost destroyed in World War II. But today, where have these countries reached? Until some time ago, Pakistan’s economy was considered better than India’s, but now it is in a worrying situation. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the time when enemies used to cut off the heads of our soldiers and take them away is gone; that was a period of great challenge. But today, times have changed. We have increased our strength on land, water, and in the air. He said that drones have changed the nature of warfare. We have already seen a glimpse of this in Operation Sindoor. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that even in this changing era, we face several challenges. Today, no student says that they want to take up farming. Our country and state are agriculture-based, so the lack of interest in farming is a major challenge. Madhya Pradesh was formed in 1956, but by 2002-03, the irrigation area was only 7.5 lakh hectares. It took 55 years to create an irrigation area of 7.5 lakh hectares.
If States Progress, the Country Will Progress
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that he thanked Prime Minister Modi for the river-linking campaign. Through this, the irrigation area will be expanded further. We have seen people dying during floods in the southern Indian states. If rivers are connected, floodwater will be managed systematically. Today is the time to work together. If the state progresses, the country will progress. He said that we had a dispute with Rajasthan over water sharing for two decades, but now, through the PKC scheme, 15 districts of Rajasthan and 15 districts of ours will become green. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh gets a roadmap to become a global hub in manufacturing, from research, AI and publications to patents, infrastructure, new markets and infrastructure, digital payments, and moving towards good governance through AI technology. Madhya Pradesh will continuously move forward through inclusive development with human capital, self-reliance, employment, investment, innovation, entrepreneurship, and regional balance. He said that in today’s time, skill is the new currency for us and innovation is the new economy. At such a time, there is a need to make the state a center for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji had an unbreakable spirit of nationalism.
Everyone’s Participation Is Necessary
Chief Secretary Ashok Varnbal said that the Samriddh Madhya Pradesh @2047 Vision Document is a goal of Viksit Bharat. To achieve this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has outlined seven resolutions. Madhya Pradesh is a leading state in technology and innovations. Our effort is to connect all generations up to 2047 through a common thread. The participation of civil society, entrepreneurs, institutions, and every citizen is necessary in this. We do not only want industrial investment, but productive investment that generates value and integrates Madhya Pradesh into the national value chain. In the vision of a developed Madhya Pradesh, 2029 is our checkpoint. The responsibility of a developed Madhya Pradesh does not belong only to the government, but to all of us, because our coming generations will see what they received.
Important Discussions Held with Representatives of Central Institutions
It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Dr. Yadav held discussions with representatives of central institutions. This session was moderated by AIGGPA Chief Scientific Advisor Santosh Kumar Vishwakarma. The representative of NITTR described Madhya Pradesh as the most suitable location for the development of semiconductor technology. The institution will work in this direction. The representative of IIIT Bhopal emphasized the need to strengthen cybersecurity and data. On behalf of the Indian Army, Major General Vikas highlighted the need to work on drone technology to become self-reliant in the defense sector. The Director of MANIT said that work is being carried out in Madhya Pradesh to provide training for homestays. Homestay has been added as a subject. The representative of LNIP spoke about providing special training to promote physical education and sports. The representative of AMPRI said that work is ongoing to provide employment to the youth of the state through scientific training. We will make an important contribution to research for critical elements. AMPRI has adopted Janakpur village in Raisen under CSR. Efforts are underway to make this village a smart village. Over the next two years, an investment of ₹4 to ₹5 crore will be made and technology will be provided through CSR. This village of Madhya Pradesh is among the five selected villages in the country that have been targeted to be developed as smart villages. Efforts through CSR will also continue for Simhastha 2028. During this, the directors of IIT Indore, IISER Bhopal, IIM Indore, and the School of Planning and Architecture also presented their plans for a developed Madhya Pradesh.