In a significant move towards fostering innovation at the grassroots level, the Modi government has taken the unprecedented step of recognizing and supporting local innovators, marking a transformative shift in India’s approach to technological progress. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, speaking at the Silver Jubilee celebration of the National Innovation Foundation (NIF), underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of integrating traditional Indian knowledge with modern scientific advancements under the mantra of “Virasat Bhi aur Vikas Bhi.”
Addressing the event virtually, Dr. Singh emphasized that innovations emerging from rural India will no longer remain in the shadows. Instead, they will be scaled up with equal opportunities and resources, similar to those available in urban centers. This shift, he noted, is part of a broader effort to democratize innovation, breaking the long-standing perception that only elite scientists with prestigious degrees can drive meaningful technological advancements.
The minister lauded India’s remarkable economic progress, recalling its transformation from being labeled among the “Fragile Five” economies to now standing on the brink of becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy. He highlighted the government’s scientific approach to development, particularly in sectors that had remained underexplored for decades. Dr. Singh also noted Prime Minister Modi’s call to celebrate National Science Day with enthusiasm, as mentioned in his recent Mann Ki Baat address, reflecting an unprecedented level of governmental support for science and technology.
One of the key highlights of Dr. Singh’s address was the acknowledgment of grassroots innovators who have worked tirelessly for years without recognition. He expressed deep appreciation for these unsung heroes, many of whom began their work in the 1990s but were only now being honored through initiatives like the revamped Padma Awards—now widely recognized as the “People’s Padma.” He credited PM Modi for transforming these awards into a platform that celebrates real contributors to society rather than merely established elites.
Dr. Singh also spotlighted the Micro Venture Innovation Fund (MVIF), an initiative by NIF in collaboration with SIDBI, which has provided critical risk capital to 238 innovation-driven enterprises. He cited examples such as the Lavender Revolution in Jammu and the Floriculture Revolution in Himachal Pradesh, demonstrating how local innovation can lead to large-scale economic transformations.
Reiterating India’s growing technological prowess, Dr. Singh remarked that Indian innovations are inherently cost-effective and globally competitive. Celebrating NIF’s 25-year journey, he revealed that 713 patents have been granted in India and five in the United States under its efforts. He also acknowledged NIF’s pioneering role in hosting a Technology Business Incubator (TBI), which has now evolved into the NIF Incubation and Entrepreneurship Council (NIFientreC), fostering over 25 grassroots startups and numerous enterprises, some of which have achieved annual turnovers exceeding ₹10 crore.
Significantly, Dr. Singh highlighted the government’s push for private sector participation in previously restricted fields such as space and nuclear energy. He noted that for the first time, India has opened up these sectors to private players, allowing for greater investment, innovation, and job creation. This landmark shift is expected to accelerate India’s journey towards self-reliance and global competitiveness in high-tech industries.
Looking ahead, Dr. Singh urged all innovators to contribute towards the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047,” calling for collective efforts to build a technologically advanced and economically strong nation. Concluding his address, he described NIF’s 25-year journey as a testament to inclusivity and resilience, having successfully identified, supported, and nurtured grassroots innovations even in India’s most remote regions.
“With science and technology thriving under PM Modi’s leadership, these are indeed the best times for innovation and research in India,” Dr. Singh stated, expressing optimism about the nation’s future as a global hub of knowledge
and innovation.
