Prime Minister Modi Highlights India's Thriving Startup Culture and Development Journey
New Delhi, November 16 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the rapid growth of India’s startup ecosystem and the transformative changes brought about by government policies over the last decade. Speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit on Saturday, Modi highlighted how risk-taking has become a defining characteristic of India’s youth, with over 1.25 lakh registered startups now active across the country.
The Prime Minister said, “Ten years ago, starting a company was considered a risk. Today, our youth are emerging as risk-takers in every field. Back then, it was rare to hear about startups, but now India boasts over 1.25 lakh registered startups.”
Modi contrasted the present entrepreneurial spirit with the lack of encouragement for risk-taking by previous governments, stating that past policies left generations hesitant to take bold steps. He credited recent reforms and innovation-driven policies for fostering a culture of entrepreneurship.
Concerns Over Media Coverage
Modi expressed concern over the limited media coverage of the inaugural Bodoland Festival held in Delhi on Friday. He remarked, “I attended a remarkable event with the Bodo community, but Delhi’s media barely covered it. They fail to realize the significance of Bodo youth celebrating their culture in peace, leaving behind decades of violence.”
He attributed this transformation to the Bodo Peace Accord, which he said has fundamentally improved lives in the region. Reflecting on history, he noted, “This is a historic moment. For five decades, the region was synonymous with conflict, but today, it celebrates culture and peace.”
From Colonial Doubts to Global Recognition
The Prime Minister underscored India’s resilience in overcoming colonial doubts, emergency-era challenges, political instability, and even the COVID-19 pandemic. He recalled how predictions of India’s fragmentation at the time of independence and permanent emergency rule during the 1970s were proven wrong by the determination of the Indian people.
“During the pandemic, the world expected India to be a burden, but we fought back with strength and resilience,” he said.
Modi also mentioned the political instability of the 1990s, a period marked by frequent elections and uncertainty. He praised citizens for defying predictions of perpetual instability and choosing his government for a third term amid global turmoil.
Moving Beyond Vote-Bank Politics
Taking aim at previous governments, Modi criticized vote-bank politics for fostering inequality and eroding public trust in governance. “Earlier governments ran with the sole aim of winning the next election. This widened disparities and broke public trust,” he said. He highlighted his administration's focus on inclusive development, guided by the principles of progress for the people, by the people, and of the people.
A Vision for New India
Modi described his vision for a developed and aspirational India. He pointed out that the government’s policies are aimed at creating jobs, ensuring dignity, and fostering growth. “Our model of development combines investment with employment and growth with dignity. It ensures that the benefits of growth reach every citizen,” he said.
The Prime Minister concluded by affirming that India’s society is filled with unprecedented aspirations, which form the foundation of his government’s policies. He reiterated his commitment to building a new and developed India, steering the nation away from vote-bank politics toward inclusive and sustainable progress.
