Vice-President’s Address to Students and Faculty Members of New York University
Vice-President’s Address to Students and Faculty Members of New York University. On January 13, 2025, the Vice-President of India addressed students and faculty members of New York University at the Vice-President’s Enclave. Here are the key excerpts from his speech.
Vice-President’s Address to Students and Faculty Members of New York University
India’s Transformation and Global Leadership
The Vice-President began by highlighting the unprecedented transformation India has witnessed over the past decade. He emphasized that no other country has undergone such rapid development, with significant strides in digitalization, governance, and infrastructure. “India has become a land of opportunity and innovation. Our journey has been extraordinary, from digital inclusion to infrastructure development.”
Digital Revolution and Inclusivity
India’s advancements in digital technology were a focal point of the Vice-President’s address. He highlighted India’s achievements in banking inclusion, free gas connections, toilet access, and rural connectivity. “500 million people have entered banking inclusion, and 170 million have access to free gas. This level of digitization and inclusivity is unmatched globally.”
Youth-Led Aspirational Development
With a median age of 28, India is witnessing a youth-led revolution. The Vice-President emphasized that this generation is driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and development. “Silicon Valley is a new reality for India. One in five unicorn founders are Indian. Our startups have reached 1,40,000 with 160 unicorns.”
Rule of Law and Governance
India has embraced transparent, accountable governance, establishing rule of law that ensures equality before the law. The Vice-President stressed that privilege no longer shields anyone from the legal process. “We’ve achieved impactful governance, where everyone has equal access to justice and development.”
Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development
India’s rapid economic growth was highlighted, with a focus on infrastructural achievements such as highway development and railway expansion. “India is adding 14 kilometers of highways and 6 kilometers of railway tracks every day. Our urban infrastructure now spans 1,000 kilometers of metro networks across 23 cities.”
Cultural and Global Peace Leadership
Emphasizing India’s rich cultural heritage, the Vice-President noted India’s role in promoting global peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy. “India has always believed in peaceful resolution of disputes. We are a cultural nerve center of the world, with a history of 5,000 years.”
Conclusion
The Vice-President’s address to New York University highlighted India’s dynamic rise as a global leader in innovation, governance, and sustainable development. His message underscored the nation’s resilience, inclusivity, and forward-thinking approach to global challenges.
