Haryana: Former G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant on Wednesday addressed students and faculty of O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) on its 16th Anniversary and University Day, under the theme “The India Story, Brand India,” emphasising innovation, manufacturing, and forward-looking governance.

Economic growth and Brand Kant

“For India to become a great nation, we need innovation, research, improved urbanisation, better cities, enhanced agricultural productivity, and stronger manufacturing. There are many challenges that India confronts, and if the country's vision is to move from a $4 trillion economy to a $30+ trillion economy by 2047, the challenge is immense. India's GDP must grow nine times, its per capita income must grow eight times, and manufacturing has to grow 16 times,” Mr. Kant said.

He highlighted the need for “a more dynamic and vibrant bureaucracy--innovative, creative, and transformative--as well as a facilitator and catalyst. For India to sustain a high rate of growth of 8-9% over three decades, it can only be on the back of free enterprise. The political system has to encourage civil servants who are progressive and forward-looking.”

Manufacturing and human development

Mr. Kant noted, “Manufacturing currently contributes only 16.5% to India's GDP. It should contribute between 25-30% because we need to create more good quality jobs. India needs 10,000 large companies creating backward and forward linkages. We cannot achieve long-term growth without improving the Human Development Index. Tamil Nadu is growing at 11%, Maharashtra at 10.5%. Gujarat invested heavily in the physical quality of life index, improving learning, health, and nutrition.”

Jindal University’s growth and role in innovation

Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of Jindal University, reflected on the university’s journey: “We opened on 30 September 2009 with 100 students, 10 faculty members, and 20 administrative staff...JGU has grown to 16,000 students, more than 1,100 full-time faculty members, and nearly 3,000 administrative staff. We are proud to be an Institution of Eminence. It is also my privilege to place on record our appreciation for our founding Chancellor and benefactor, Mr. Naveen Jindal, a pioneering leader in the world of philanthropy.”

Professor Kumar also highlighted Mr. Kant’s influence: “Brand Amitabh Kant is inseparable from India’s growth story. Through Make in India, Startup India, and Incredible India, he transformed policy into national campaigns. As CEO of NITI Aayog, he executed reforms in digital payments, EV mobility, healthcare, education, and sustainability. As G20 Sherpa, he projected India as a thought leader and innovator.”

Universities as engines of change

Mr. Kant stressed higher education: “Universities like O.P. Jindal University are the bedrock of innovation. The United States built some of the finest universities in the world, which became centres of innovation in cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and robotics. What universities and students must do in the next five years would normally take 30 years. We need to work at the pace of digital public infrastructure development. This requires attracting the best talent, the best professors, and the best researchers from across the world to be part of universities like JGU.”

Global outlook and staying the course

On geopolitics, he said, “The world is moving from hegemony to multipolarity. India must stay the course and not compromise on energy security or economic autonomy. Principle, consistency, and long-term vision are essential.”

Celebrating leadership at Jindal University

Mr. Kant praised Jindal University’s Constitution Museum: “I’ve never seen a museum like this in any university. There’s so much energy and vibrancy here.” He released two reports—Research at JGU and Biodiversity at JGU—and launched JGU Anthem, celebrating education and youth engagement.