Experts from around the world come together to deliberate on India's growth and economy at the Lokmat Global Economic Convention in London.
London: Brainstorming on the development of the Indian economy - currently the world’s fourth largest and growing at a rapid pace globally - industrialists, economists, scholars, and changemakers gathered in London, asserting that the perfect time for India to rise globally on the strength of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance is now.
Deliberating at the Lokmat Global Economic Convention held recently at The Savoy in London, experts from around the world said that the strength of the Indian economy remains intact despite new challenges emerging due to tariffs imposed by the US.
Productive discussions were held on identifying sectors where India could capitalize on new opportunities, highlighting the convention’s global significance.
Speakers emphasized that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indians have the willpower and capability to overcome challenges and lead the world
Addressing the convention virtually, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, said India’s vision of a $5 trillion economy can be realized through strong infrastructure and by creating Smart Villages alongside Smart Cities. With 65% of India’s population in rural areas, better facilities in villages can curb migration, enhance irrigation, boost spending capacity, and generate jobs.
He noted that logistics costs have fallen from 16% to 10% and will drop further to 8%, matching China. Stressing waste and water management, he said India can build a ₹5 lakh crore economy from waste recycling, while promoting ecology, electric mobility, and biofuels.
Dr Vijay Darda with the winners of Lokmat Global Sakhi awards. (Photos courtesy: N K Nayak)
Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also joined virtually, and said: “In his Independence Day address, PM Modi appealed to fast-track India’s journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047. This is the perfect time for India — if we miss this opportunity, it may not come again.”
He shared that a key meeting was held that morning where they discussed a 100-day change agenda. “We are all committed to fulfilling Prime Minister Modi’s vision within the next 100 days,” he stated.
Maharashtra Chief Minister, who was the chief guest of the convention along with Gadkari and Goyal, was honored with the Bharat Bhushan Award.
President of the convention and Chairman of Lokmat Media Group, Dr Vijay Darda, said, “India has always turned crises into opportunities. Some may try to slow us down, but no one can stop India’s development journey.”
He lauded CM Fadnavis and Maharashtra as the economic powerhouse of the country, and asserted that the state alone has the potential to build a $5 trillion economy and that this strength must be showcased to the world.
"We envision not just a $5 trillion but a $10 trillion economy. Maharashtra has already crossed the $500 billion mark and is heading towards $1 trillion," Fadnavis said, addressing the convention.
Chairman of Vedanta Group Anil Agarwal noted that Indian-origin individuals are part of major global parliaments and decision-making bodies. Many countries now seek guidance from Indians on development — a testament to India’s global capacity and capability.
Distinguished dignitaries at the event included, Rahul Narwekar, Speaker, Maharashtra Assembly; Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister of State for Social Justice; Pankaja Munde, Minister for Environment and Animal Husbandry; Vikram Doraiswami, Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom; Lord Rami Ranger, member of House of Lords; Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty, and others.
Editor-in-Chief of Lokmat Media Group, Rajendra Darda, and joint Managing Director and editorial director, Rishi Darda, moderated the sessions, defining the roadmap for India’s bright future.
Rajni Jain honored with Global Sakhi Award
Internationally renowned woman entrepreneur and co-founder of Paramount Gems, New York, Rajni Pannalal Jain was honored with the prestigious Global Sakhi Award at the Lokmat Global Economic Convention in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the gems and jewellery industry and global business at large. She received the honor at the hands of Pankaja Munde, Maharashtra's Minister of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, in the presence of the Chairman of the Editorial Board of Lokmat Media Group and former Rajya Sabha member, Dr Vijay Darda. The Global Sakhi Award is instituted by Lokmat Media Group for women's empowerment, which is the motto of Lokmat Sakhi Manch. The founder of Lokmat Sakhi Manch was the late Jyotsna Darda, who devoted her life to the upliftment and empowerment of women from every section of society. |
