SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday called for an inclusive and technology-driven development model for India, while urging industry leaders to invest in Jammu and Kashmir and help connect its tourism, horticulture and handicrafts sectors with global markets.
Addressing the World Wisdom Forum organised by the IIT Alumni Council in New Delhi, Sinha said India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation must remain rooted in its traditions while embracing technology and innovation.
He said the country’s vision of a developed India should go beyond economic growth and focus on creating a society where development reaches every region and community.
Sinha identified five key challenges that need collective attention — skilling the country’s young population, ensuring sustainable development, strengthening institutions, promoting balanced regional growth and making India a creator rather than merely a consumer of technology.
“ We must create the future rather than purchase it by becoming not just a consumer but a global creator of technologies, innovations, and ideas,” he said.
He stressed the need for India to build expertise in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and reduce dependence on imported innovation.
“We must resolve that we will not merely use artificial intelligence; we will also contribute to the future of artificial intelligence. We must resolve that we will not import innovation; we will export innovation,” Sinha said.
The LG also highlighted what he described as the growing potential of Jammu and Kashmir in sectors including tourism, horticulture, handicrafts, youth development and hydropower.
He called upon industry leaders to make investments in the Union Territory and link its traditional and natural strengths with international markets.
“Connect its horticulture, tourism and handicrafts with global markets. The intervention of industry leaders in every sector of Jammu Kashmir will be an investment in India’s future,” he said.
Sinha said the youth of Jammu and Kashmir had new opportunities and confidence and urged the industry to turn the region into a subject of “constructive action”.
He also underlined the importance of ensuring that economic development remains aligned with environmental responsibility and institutional accountability.
Referring to India’s target of becoming a developed nation by 2047, Sinha urged the younger generation to think about the impact of their work on society.
He said those who would be at the peak of their careers when India completes 100 years of Independence must begin preparing now for their responsibilities.
“The new generation, which will be at the peak of its careers and energy in 2047, must ask itself today — When India becomes a developed nation, what will you be creating? What impact will my creation have on society, and how will it affect people’s lives?” he said.
Sinha said India’s cultural ethos had traditionally emphasised collective welfare and argued that the vision of Viksit Bharat should be measured not only through GDP growth but also by its impact on people’s lives.
“We must contribute to the welfare of our country, society and humanity as a whole,” he said.
The forum brought together IIT alumni, industry representatives and prominent citizens from different fields. Member of Parliament Shashank Mani Tripathi, IIT Alumni Council president Ravi Sharma and NSE MD and CEO Ashish Chauhan were among those present.
