Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday called upon young Indians to transform challenges in energy, finance and logistics into productive enterprises, urging them to build globally competitive institutions and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Addressing the valedictory session of “Pathways to Viksit Bharat: A Centenary Conclave”, organised by Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), University of Delhi, at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, Puri highlighted the role of education, innovation and entrepreneurship in advancing India’s development journey.
SRCC’s Centenary: From Colonial-Era Institution to Global Aspirations
Reflecting on SRCC’s centenary, Puri highlighted the interplay between continuity and change in India’s development. He noted that an institution founded during colonial rule now prepares young Indians to lead global enterprises and shape public policy in a country with expanding opportunities.
Quoting philosopher Alfred North Whitehead, he said, “The task of a university is to weld together imagination and experience. An institution that sustains this exchange keeps renewing its intellectual life. That is how knowledge advances and how societies acquire the capacity to change.”
He urged students to draw on their academic training in commerce and economics to exercise critical judgment, question assumptions and turn practical challenges into productive enterprises.
Offshore Exploration to Strengthen Energy Security
Highlighting the importance of energy security, Puri said the Government of India had approved the Samudra Manthan Scheme (National Offshore Exploration Scheme) with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore. The scheme aims to unlock India’s offshore hydrocarbon potential through accelerated exploration, modern technology, shared infrastructure and stronger domestic manufacturing.
GOBARdhan Scheme: Turning Waste into Wealth
Emphasising sustainable economic opportunities in the energy sector, Puri highlighted the GOBARdhan scheme, launched on October 1, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Waste to Wealth’ and ‘Annadata to Urjadata’.
He said converting agricultural residue and organic waste into domestic energy offers a practical commercial opportunity that can benefit farmers, generate economic returns and strengthen national energy security.
Diversification Helps Sustain Fuel Supplies Amid Global Disruptions
Referring to global economic uncertainty and geopolitical disruptions, Puri highlighted India’s ability to maintain the continuity of essential fuel supplies during recent crises in West Asia. He attributed this resilience to the diversification of energy sources and the strengthening of domestic capacities.
Youth Must Build Globally Competitive Indian Enterprises
Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call during his recent visit to SRCC, Puri challenged young Indians to build world-class institutions and enterprises, asking why Indian businesses should not lead globally when Indian talent already occupies leading positions in major international corporations.
He stressed the importance of building enterprises rooted in reliability, innovation and international trust.
Concluding his address, Puri expressed confidence that young Indians entering their professional prime would play a pivotal role in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The two-day centenary conclave brought together policymakers, economists, faculty members and students to deliberate on policy priorities, financial coordination and pathways to India’s future economic growth.
-PIB Inputs
