A Dynamic Bureaucracy with a Progressive Political System can Transform India: Amitabh Kant at JGU’s 16th Anniversary

Sonipat, 1 October 2025: “For India to become a great nation, we need innovation, research, improved urbanization, 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.” These were the words of Mr. Amitabh Kant, Former G20 Sherpa of India, as he addressed the students and faculty of O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) on the occasion of the 16th Anniversary and University Day, on the theme “The India Story, Brand India.” “In addition, we need a more dynamic and vibrant bureaucracy—innovative, creative, and transformative—as well as a facilitator and catalyst. A very energetic, progressive, be forward-looking bureaucracy that breaks down rules, regulations, and procedures. I am a great believer in free enterprise. 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. Even today, 46% of our population is dependent on agriculture. The political ecosystem must be equally progressive and forward-looking, because bureaucracy functions within an overall ecosystem. Therefore, the political system has to encourage civil servants who are progressive and forward-looking.” Mr. Kant further noted that manufacturing currently contributes only 16.5% to India’s GDP. “It should contribute between 25–30% of GDP, because we need to create more good quality jobs in the manufacturing sector. Today, 108 countries are caught in the middle-income trap. If you want to grow rapidly, you need the scale of manufacturing to export globally. India needs 10,000 large companies—companies that create backward and forward linkages with smaller companies. India cannot achieve long-term sustained growth without improving the Human Development Index. Tamil Nadu is growing at 11%, Maharashtra at 10.5%. Why is Gujarat growing? Because they invested heavily in the physical quality of life index, improving learning outcomes, health outcomes, and nutritional standards.” A Journey of 16 Years: From 100 Students to 16,000 In his Welcome Address, Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, reflected on the university’s history: “I recall the day on 30 September 2009, when with deep hope and aspiration, we opened the university with a relatively small group of 100 students, 10 faculty members, and 20 administrative staff. We had big dreams, and today, as we celebrate our 16th anniversary, 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. Today, we welcome Mr. Amitabh Kant, who has been a personal inspiration to me. He has shown us that transformative public policies can also be inspirational campaigns uniting citizens, businesses, and governments under a common purpose. As CEO of NITI Aayog, he drove large-scale reforms—from digital payments to EV mobility, to healthcare, education, and sustainability—proving that vision backed by action can alter the course of history. He has also been India’s voice on the global stage as G20 Sherpa, consistently positioning India as a thought leader, problem solver, and innovator.” Reflecting on Mr. Kant’s contribution to nation building, Professor Kumar observed, “Brand Amitabh Kant is inseparable from India’s growth story, reflecting vision, action, and inspiration. First, it is about Visionary Leadership—through Make in India, Startup India, and Incredible India, he transformed policy into powerful national campaigns. Second, it represents Execution Excellence—as CEO of NITI Aayog, he translated blueprints into reforms in digital payments, EV mobility, health, education, and sustainability. Third, it stands for Global Advocacy—as India’s G20 Sherpa and in global forums, he projected India as a thought leader and innovator. Fourth, it symbolises Nation-Building through Innovation—from UPI and Aadhaar to renewable energy, he ensured India set global benchmarks. Fifth, it embodies Inspiring Change—believing in young India, entrepreneurs, and dreamers, he showed that governance and innovation are partners in progress. Today, as we listen to him on The India Story, Brand India, we also celebrate The Amitabh Kant Story—a story of leadership, innovation, and nation-building. Universities as Engines of Innovation Responding to incisive questions on Brand India and the way forward, Mr. Kant stressed the role of higher education: “Higher education is absolutely critical. Universities like O.P. Jindal University are th