Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has emphasised that education and innovation will play a central role in realising India’s dream of becoming a developed nation. Speaking at the 20th FICCI Higher Education Summit 2025 in New Delhi, Mr Gadkari said that India’s journey toward a $5 trillion economy and the broader vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 depends on how effectively the country nurtures its young talent through education, research, and skill development. He also highlighted that India has the largest pool of young, talented, and technically skilled manpower in the world, giving the country a unique advantage in global growth.

I am writing about this because it reflects how education continues to be recognised as the backbone of India’s developmental goals. Mr Gadkari’s remarks go beyond infrastructure or economic policy — they underline how human capital, particularly in education and innovation, is key to shaping the country’s long-term growth. The statement also aligns with the government’s larger focus on building an education ecosystem that promotes creativity, sustainability, and technological advancement. The idea of Viksit Bharat is not just about economic prosperity but also about empowering citizens through knowledge, skills, and values.

Education as the Foundation of a Developed India

Addressing educators, policymakers, and industry leaders at the FICCI Higher Education Summit 2025, Mr Gadkari said that education will determine the future of India’s development story. He emphasised that the country cannot achieve its developmental goals without transforming its education system to meet modern challenges.

He said, “Education is not only about degrees but about creating knowledge that solves real problems. Our youth must be equipped with both innovation and compassion to make India a global leader.”

The Minister pointed out that India’s youth population, with its growing technical expertise, is one of the strongest assets for building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047 — the year that marks 100 years of India’s independence.

Focus on Skill and Innovation

Mr Gadkari highlighted that skill development and innovation must go hand in hand with education to ensure that students can contribute meaningfully to the economy. He encouraged universities to promote practical, hands-on learning and foster partnerships with industries.

He said that traditional academic approaches must evolve into models that encourage problem-solving, research, and entrepreneurship. The government’s efforts under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, he noted, are designed to make education more flexible, inclusive, and innovation-driven.

“Skill-based education will create jobs and also promote self-employment. We need to create innovators, not job seekers,” Mr Gadkari remarked, adding that education institutions should become centres of applied research and local problem-solving.

India’s Youth as Global Change-Makers

During his address, the Minister praised India’s growing base of engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs who are contributing to both national and global progress. He noted that India produces over 1.5 million engineers every year, making it one of the world’s largest sources of technical manpower.

He urged that the focus now should be on quality over quantity, ensuring that students not only have technical expertise but also the creativity and confidence to apply it effectively. According to him, education and innovation must become central pillars of India’s growth model if the country wishes to compete with global economies like the US, China, and Japan.

“India’s young minds are capable of transforming not only our country but the entire world. Education should empower them to dream big, think differently, and act responsibly,” he said.

Linking Education to Economic Growth

Mr Gadkari connected education directly to India’s economic aspirations. He said that building a $5 trillion economy will not be possible without producing skilled professionals across all sectors — from engineering and manufacturing to agriculture and digital technology.

He stressed the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, government agencies, and private industries. Such partnerships, he said, would ensure that graduates are not only employable but also capable of driving innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Minister also encouraged investment in research and development (R&D) within higher education institutions, calling it a “critical engine” for sustainable and inclusive growth.

The Role of Technology in Education

Mr Gadkari highlighted the transformative role that technology can play in education. With the rise of artificial intelligence, automation, and green technologies, he said that universities and colleges must prepare students for the jobs of the future.

He called on educational institutions to integrate digital learning, renewable energy studies, and sustainability-focused curriculum into mainstream education, aligning with India’s commitment to green growth and climate resilience.

He remarked, “The future belongs to those who can use technology responsibly and sustainably. Education must prepare our youth for that future.”