###Mohanlal Sukhadia Memorial Lecture 2024: Inspiring the Youth for a Progressive India

On November 16, 2024, Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, delivered the prestigious Mohanlal Sukhadia Memorial Lecture at the Vivekananda Auditorium, Mohanlal Sukhadia University (MLSU), Udaipur. In an inspiring address, the Vice President emphasized the critical role of youth in building a developed India by 2047, calling for a “Nation First” approach and urging them to embrace innovation, sustainability, and cultural values.  

### **Youth: The Cornerstone of a Developed India**  
Shri Dhankhar underlined that the active participation of youth is indispensable to achieving India’s developmental aspirations. He urged them to transform from "job seekers" to "job creators," leveraging the nation’s emerging status as a global hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.  
“The world is looking at you with great hope. You must be prepared to lead with out-of-the-box thinking and innovation,” he remarked, calling for a proactive approach toward utilizing emerging sectors such as space economy, blue economy, and artificial intelligence.  

### **Achievements and Aspirations for a Resurgent India**  
The Vice President highlighted India's transformation into a $4 trillion economy with a growth rate of 8%. He outlined milestones underscoring the nation’s progress:  
- Construction of 8 new airports annually.  
- Launch of metro rail services every two years.  
- Daily construction of 28 kilometers of national highways and 12 kilometers of railway tracks.  
- Integration of 500 million individuals into the banking system over the past decade.  
- Leading the world in digital transactions, surpassing the combined figures of the U.S., U.K., France, and Germany.  

He stated that India is on track to become the third-largest economic power and called for collective efforts, particularly from the youth, to sustain this momentum.  

### **Focus on Holistic Education and MLSU’s Contributions**  
Vice Chancellor of MLSU, Prof. Sunita Mishra, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the university’s achievements and its alignment with the New Education Policy (NEP). She emphasized that MLSU is committed to fostering innovation and skill development, contributing significantly to India's higher education landscape.  
Prof. Mishra also detailed the university's curriculum restructuring under the NEP, aimed at equipping students with advanced knowledge and skills. She expressed confidence in the institution’s ability to uphold its legacy while adapting to future challenges.  

### **Cultural and Environmental Stewardship**  
Addressing environmental challenges, Shri Dhankhar stressed the importance of sustainability through campaigns like "One Tree in Mother's Name," which integrates environmental conservation with cultural values. He urged youth to draw wisdom from India’s ancient texts like the Vedas and Upanishads, emphasizing their relevance in modern times.  

He further called for respecting India's rich traditions, particularly the culture of family values and reverence for elders. "Our heritage is a treasure trove of guidance and wisdom that can help navigate today’s challenges," he remarked.  

### **Promotion of Local Economies and Innovation**  
The Vice President championed initiatives like "Vocal for Local" and "One District, One Product," highlighting their role in strengthening local economies and reducing import dependency. He urged youth to focus on sustainable utilization of natural resources and equitable economic growth.  
“India’s transformation depends on young innovators who can think beyond conventional paths and contribute to nation-building,” he said, calling for a balance between economic aspirations and environmental responsibilities.  

### **Tackling Challenges and Seizing Opportunities**  
Shri Dhankhar emphasized India’s emerging leadership on the global stage, driven by its demographic dividend and robust policy frameworks. He lauded the government’s efforts to combat corruption, which has created a favorable climate for investments and entrepreneurship.  

### **Conclusion: A Vision for 2047**  
Accompanied by his wife, Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar, the Vice President participated in a tree-planting ceremony on campus, symbolizing the commitment to sustainability. The event ended with a renewed sense of purpose among the attendees.  

**“Youth are the architects of India's future. Your contributions to this transformative journey are the foundation of our vision for a developed India by 2047,”** Shri Dhankhar concluded, inspiring the audience with a message of hope, responsibility, and unity.  

A Vision for 2047

The event concluded with Shri Dhankhar planting a tree alongside his wife, Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar, as part of the university's environmental initiatives. His closing remarks served as a rallying cry for the audience:
“Your innovation, commitment, and vision will shape India’s journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047. Together, let us prioritize the nation above all else.”

This holistic discourse, enriched by MLSU Vice Chancellor Prof. Sunita Mishra's reflections on the university's role in education and development, reinforced the lecture’s theme of youth empowerment, cultural pride, and sustainable progress. The Mohanlal Sukhadia Memorial Lecture 2024 thus became a defining moment in envisioning an inclusive, progressive, and empowered India.