The news article reports on Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha’s attendance and keynote address at the Viksit Bharat Samvad ‘EDGE 2025’ event held in Kanpur on March 19, 2025. During his speech, the Lieutenant Governor outlined ambitious economic goals for India, urging civil society, youth, and industry stakeholders to work towards making India a $5 trillion economy by 2026 and achieving the vision of a fully developed India (“Viksit Bharat”) by 2047.
He highlighted the need for India to become a global hub for design and manufacturing amid current global economic challenges, trade uncertainties, and geopolitical tensions. To achieve this, he emphasized rapid reforms, collaboration across sectors, and leveraging India’s demographic dividend—its youthful population—through skilling and technological advancements. He also stressed the importance of producing critical goods domestically to reduce reliance on external markets and strengthen supply chains, positioning India as a manufacturing powerhouse by 2029.
A key focus of his address was fostering inclusive development through a proposed partnership between Panchayats (village councils) and industries. He envisioned this collaboration as a means to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas, ensuring villages have infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities comparable to cities. He urged business leaders to create rural enterprises linked to global markets to drive prosperity for all sections of society.
The Lieutenant Governor also praised India’s progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing transformative changes across various sectors, including in Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted Kanpur’s industrial revival, noting its historical significance as the “Manchester of the East” and its resurgence in textiles, leather, and defense manufacturing. He credited increased exports and ongoing industrial development for positioning Kanpur as a key contributor to India’s growth.
Finally, he commended the event organizers—the Rotary Club of Kanpur Gaurav, Confederation of Indian Industries, and Prout Solicitors LLP—for facilitating discussions and collaborations aimed at advancing India’s development goals.