LOK SABHA SPEAKER ADDRESSED THE MAHARASHTRA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND AGRICULTURE
SETH WALCHAND HIRACHAND SET THE COURSE FOR INDEPENDENT INDIA’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT: LOK SABHA SPEAKER
Mumbai
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, on the first day of his two-day visit to Mumbai, today delivered the Seth Walchand Hirachand Memorial Lecture organized by the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MCCIA). Governor of Maharashtra Ramesh Bais and other dignitaries remained present at the occasion.
Addressing the program, Mr Birla appreciated the contribution of Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MCCIA) in the fields of trade, industry and commerce in Maharashtra and said that MCCIA has played an important role in the financial and economic development of the State. Remembering the founder of the institution, Seth Walchand Hirachand, Shri Birla said that his foresight, entrepreneurial nature, resolve and self-confidence determined the course of independent India’s industry. Shri Birla added that Seth Walchand contributed significantly to India’s industrialization due to which he is also considered as the father of the Indian transport industry.
Mentioning about the contribution of MCCIA in the progress of the nation, Shri Birla noted that the Chamber has been assisting the state government since independence in formulating progressive and development oriented policies. He recalled that the suggestions given by the Chamber on policy matters are considered by the government, industry, think tanks, policy makers and other stakeholders and accordingly policies are formulated which benefit every section of the society.
Referring to the rapid pace of progress of India, Shri Birla observed that today’s India is well known around the world as a knowledge hub. Similarly, Indian youth are known for their intellectual potential, innovation, research, and their skills in the field of technology. Shri Birla added that Indian youth are leading the world on the basis of their ability and efficiency. Regarding the achievements of the nation under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Birla informed that in the last 9 years, India has emerged as a stable, strong and responsible power in the world, due to which it is leading the world in many areas today. Referring to India’s credibility around the world, Shri Birla noted that the world is looking towards India in every sector. From economy and finance to Democracy; Social reform or technology, India is providing solutions to every major challenge facing the world.
Regarding India’s contribution during the COVID era, Shri Birla said that the nation, through collective efforts and leadership, worked to help many countries of the world by providing free vaccines. Regarding India’s contribution in the context of the International Solar Alliance, Shri Birla said that today the Indian youth are working to provide solutions to the world even on a complex and important issues like climate change. Shri Birla added that in the defense sector too, India is now moving towards becoming an export hub after having become Atmanirbhar.
Shri Birla expressed confidence that on the strength of innovation and research of its youth, the nation will emerge as a developed and self-reliant nation in the next 25 years and citizens will take the country forward with their collective efforts.