Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation

PM’s address at the 93rd Annual General Meeting of FICCI

  • In the match of 20-20, we have seen a lot of things changing rapidly. But the year 2020 has defeated all.
  • The nation and the entire world went through so many ups and downs that when we’ll think of the corona period a few years late, perhaps we won’t believe it.
  • But, it’s good that the situation which deteriorated so fast, is improving swiftly also. When this cycle of pandemic began in February-March, we were up against an unknown enemy.
  • There were many uncertainties. Whether it’s the production, logistics, or revival of the economy, there were many issues.
  • Everybody had this question in his mind: how long will it continue and how the situation will improve. The entire mankind of the world was grappling with these questions, challenges and concerns.
  • But now in the month of December, the situation has changed a lot. We have the answer as well as the roadmap.
  • The indicators of the economy are very encouraging. The lessons that the country learnt during the crisis have firmed up its resolve for the future.
  • And, indeed, a huge credit for it goes to entrepreneurs, the young generation, farmers, industrialists and all the people of India.
  • Friends, There is always a history and a lesson associated with global pandemic. The country which manages to save more and more of its citizens during such a pandemic has the power to rebound with the same speed.
  • During this pandemic, India gave utmost priority to the lives of its citizens, saved the lives of most of the people and the result is there before the country and the world as well.
  • The world is surprised at the way India has worked collectively in the last few months, made policies and decisions and brought the situation under control.
  • The faith of the world towards India in the last six years has been further strengthened in the last few months.
  • Whether it is FDI or FPI, foreign investors have made record investments in India and are continuously doing so.
  • Friends, Today, every citizen of the country is committed to make the AtmaNirbhar India campaign a success and is working towards Local for Vocal.
  • This is a living example of how much confidence the country has on the capability of its private sector.
  • India’s private sector can not only meet our domestic needs, but can also establish its identity globally forcefully.
  • Friends, The AtmaNirbhar India campaign is also a medium to make quality products in India and make Indian industry more competitive.
  • And when I got the opportunity to address from the ramparts of Red Fort in 2014 for the first time, I had said that our goal should be zero defect; zero effect.
  • Friends, Experience has it that the policies in the past have protected inefficiency in several sectors and have prevented new experiments, whereas, the AtmaNirbhar India campaign encourages efficiency in every sector.
  • Emphasis is being given on sectors where India has long-term comparative advantage and sunrise and technology-based industries.