Cut import, increase exports to become ‘vishwaguru': Gadkari

Time of India

2 days ago

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Nagpur: Without directly referring to the ongoing US tariff imposition, Union minister
Nitin Gadkari
on Saturday said that reducing imports and boosting exports is the biggest patriotism today if India wants to become a 'vishwaguru'.
Speaking during the Prof VG Bhide memorial lecture at VNIT, Gadkari stressed that science and technology hold solutions to the country's major problems under the present circumstances.
"Knowledge is power. Duniya jhukti hai, jhukane wala chahiye (The world bows, you need someone to make it bow)," he said.
"If our scientists and institutions work as per the needs of the country, then the rate of our growth and development will increase thrice.
When our economic growth rate and export increases, I don't think we will need anyone's support. Today, those who are bullying others can do so because they are economically self-reliant, and technologically sound. But when we have better technology and resources, we wouldn't indulge in bullying others.
Our tradition teaches welfare of the world 'vishwa kalyan'," he said.
Paying tribute to Prof Bhide as a good teacher and researcher, Gadkari urged IITs and NITs to focus research on the needs of the nation and find solutions tailored for each state, district, and city.
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He cited how in Delhi, 80 lakh tonnes of garbage from four dumps was used to make roads. He emphasised the importance of ethics, economy, and ecology, adding that technology should be used in Swachh Bharat to create value from waste.
Recalling a remark by former RSS chief late KS Sudarshan, Gadkari said the import of fossil fuels must end to curb global terrorism. India spends Rs 21 lakh crore annually on importing fossil fuels, but farmers can help reduce this dependency.
He pointed to the rise in corn prices after ethanol production began — from Rs 1,800 per quintal (MSP) to Rs 2,800 — and said corn plantation has tripled. He also cited progress in bio-ethanol, isobutanol (as an alternative to diesel), and bio-aviation fuel from rice straw, with the govt financing marine engine production by Kirloskar.
Calling for indigenous technology, Gadkari said Bhide's research remains a guiding light. He lamented that research centres have not worked enough on hyperlocal problems but praised VNIT's ongoing work. Sharing an example from Covid times, he said a unit to treat black fungus-related blindness was set up in Wardha after he intervened for licensing.
Gadkari added that the New Education Policy has incorporated science with values and culture, and called for a futuristic vision, futuristic implementation, and a self-reliant society in the coming years.
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