Use Innovation As A Ladder To Leapfrog To Status Of A Developed Nation, Says President

The President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee received the National Innovation Council’s Report to the People 2013 in Rashtrapati Bhavan today (November 19, 2013).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said Knowledge and Innovation are the twin pillars around which nations will compete, grow and prosper in the 21st Century. Strengthening the country’s knowledge and innovation ecosystem is critical to ensure a brighter future for our young and to enhance competitive advantage in an increasingly globalised world. He said the only way we can leapfrog to a status of a developed nation is by using innovation as a ladder.

The President said applying the lens of innovation to these critical-needs sectors can not only generate new solutions to solve old problems, but also enable the development process to become more inclusive by serving a large section of underserved populations at the bottom of economic pyramid. He said Innovating in the areas of education, skill development, and entrepreneurship can enable our youth emerge as the work force not only for India, but also for the world, as working age populations decline globally.

The President said we are in the midst of exciting times as we have access to new tools, technology and connectivity and these platforms can ignite innovation like never before.

He said new tools and platforms will have a massive impact on organisational structures, delivery models and business processes, where innovation will be critical. We as a nation must be ready for this new wave of innovations. Indian approach of inclusive innovation can emerge as a model for sustainable development for the world to emulate.

This release issued at 1845 hrs