By The Hindu Bureau

Copyright thehindu

Inclusivity, poverty eradication and infrastructure creation right from the villages in the remotest part of India to the metros are paramount for realising the great dream of ‘Developed India’ by 2047, former President Ram Nath Kovind said.

Addressing the ‘One nation, one dream’ event jointly organised by Voice of Tenkasi Foundation and Rotary International District 3212 at Vasudevanallur in the district on Tuesday, Mr. Ram Nath Kovind said the country, which was the world’s 11th largest economy a decade ago, had become the 4th largest economy in 11 years and would move up to the third spot by 2028, thanks to its vibrant policies.

India’s contribution to science and technology, space science, information technology was immense. A good number of Indian educational institutions had found place in the list of world’s premier universities and research institutes.

The nation still has to face several challenges to become the developed nation by 2047 as it has to create better living conditions in rural areas, besides becoming self-reliant in several fields. World-class education, poverty eradication, infrastructure creation, quality healthcare and fulfilment of basic needs should be realised even in the remotest parts of the country despite the challenges India was facing presently, he said.

“We should be able to provide quality education and excellent healthcare to every child living in the remotest part of India while creating world-class infrastructure in the place where the child lives. Hence, every Indian has to contribute towards this direction to conquer the dream of developed India,” Mr. Ram Nath Kovind said.

Drawing a parallel between Tenkasi and Varanasi based on cultural heritage and holiness, the former President said the cultural contacts of both the places should be strengthened further as they would tone-up the ‘one India, vikshit India’ concept.

He appealed to the Indians, especially the younger generation, to respect others’ history, diverse culture, language, traditions, religion, festivals etc. so as to ensure the dream of ‘One India, developed India’.

Chief Scientist of Zoho Corporation Sridhar Vembu said his information technology company, with the objective of ensuring development rural areas, had its presence the tier-2 towns as well as the growth and development of Indian cities should be taken everywhere irrespective of the place’s rural nature.

Voice of Tenkasi Foundation founder Ananthan Ayyasamy, while narrating the steps being taken by his organisation for the education, employment and entrepreneurship of the rural youth in the district, said these steps would contribute immensely for the dream of achieving developed India.

A total of 1,130 students chanted as many Thirukkural to create new record as part of the event.