Kochi, Sep 18 (IANS) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is serving the nation with a special focus on fostering resilience, innovation and a sense of national identity among citizens to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.Speaking at an event in Kochi, Kerala, the Defence Minister asserted that before 2014, India faced challenges such as corruption and misgovernance, which had weakened the morale of the people, and the nation’s progress in the last 12 years has been shaped by its ability to convert challenges into opportunities.“Over the last 12 years, the world has faced a pandemic such as Covid-19 and witnessed several wars, which have had a profound impact on the global economy. Despite global challenges, we are moving steadily on the path towards becoming a self-reliant and developed nation,” he said.Rajnath Singh stated that Operation Sindoor is proof of India’s willingness to cross the border to eliminate those who threaten the sovereignty and integrity of the country. He added that Maoism, too, has been brought to an end.

On the government’s aim to continuously bolster indigenous capabilities, the minister stated that indigenous defence production, which was just Rs 40,000 crore in 2014, has now reached nearly Rs 1.80 lakh crore.He added that defence exports have risen from nearly Rs 600 crore to around Rs 40,000 crore, with Indian equipment reaching around 100 countries.Voicing the nation’s resolve to work tirelessly towards its goals with courage and determination, Rajnath Singh described youth as the country’s greatest strength.“Our youth are building start-ups, creating unicorns, developing drones, building hydrogen trains, and making rockets and satellites. They are leaving no stone unturned to make India a developed nation,” he said.Rajnath Singh emphasised the importance of making the younger generation more aware of India’s history, culture and heritage.

He said greater awareness among youth would contribute to stronger national consciousness and help build confidence in India’s place in the world.He called upon the youth to contribute to India’s economic, social and technological transformation, saying that a confident, capable and socially inclusive India can emerge as a developed nation and play a greater role in shaping the future of the world.On the crucial role of media in today’s times, the Defence Minister stated that journalism is rightly called the fourth pillar of democracy, terming an independent and impartial press as one of the strongest instruments for ensuring accountability.“The role of the media is not merely to report the news. It is also to ask difficult questions, bring the truth before the people, and hold those in power accountable,” he said.

/IANS