The youth, women, poor, farmers are the foundational pillars of India: V.K. Saraswat, NITI Ayog member

The foundational pillars of India’s vision rests on four —the youth, the women, the poor, and the farmers, said noted scientist and NITI Ayog member, V.K. Saraswat here on Monday.

In a convocation address at Chanakya University, Mr. Saraswat, emphasised the importance of innovation, ethical leadership and harmonising traditional wisdom with modern science to make progress in all these pillars.

“Knowledge is a catalytic force and when it is applied to agriculture, it can improve productivity and resilience. When it empowers women, it multiplies social and economic outcomes. When it uplifts the poor, it converts welfare into wealth creation. And when it is harnessed by the youth, it transforms demographic potential into global leadership,’’ he said.

Mr. Saraswat said that knowledge, innovation and technology must, therefore, be directed towards expanding opportunity, enhancing productivity and securing dignity for those who form the backbone of this country.

He further said, India stood at a critical inflection point in its civilisational journey.

“We stand at an unprecedented juncture in India’s journey to a Viksit Bharat. The nation that gave the world the concept of zero now leads in digital payments. The land that pioneered surgical techniques millennia ago now performs the world’s most cost-effective medical procedures. This continuity of innovation defines our national character,” he stated.

On the vision for India’s future, he outlined that the country was now moving into a phase where the objective was not merely to achieve Viksit Bharat at 2047 but to position the country as one that shapes global agendas, defines technological standards and sets the direction for sustainable and inclusive development.

“For this transformation to be meaningful and enduring, growth must be anchored in inclusion. Progress must be people-centred,’’ he insisted.

Also, highlighting the country’s demographic advantage, Mr. Saraswat noted, “India today is home to the largest cohort of the young people in human history. It has over 356 million talented individuals who are ambitious and ready to contribute,’’ and added that history showed that periods of rapid national transformation had often been propelled by the vision and energy of the young generation.

“The choices you make now will determine whether India’s rise is transactional or transformational,’’ he cautioned.

Chanakya University on Monday held its Second Convocation ceremony, Dikshant Samarambh 2026. The ceremony witnessed the graduation of students from the university’s six schools.