Our startups are creating wealth and value: PM Narendra Modi

'Varied attire, cuisine and culture in different regions is our hallmark. As a nation this diversity strengthens us and keeps us united'

NEW Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that even in this phase of the global pandemic, Indian 'startups' have been creating wealth and value.

Referring to the filth being spread by some pilgrims during the ongoing 'Char-Dham Yatra' in Uttarakhand, the Prime Minister appealed to the people to maintain dignity of these pilgrimage sites.

In monthly radio address 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Modi said, "On the 5th of this month, the number of unicorns in the country has reached the figure of 100 and you surely know that a unicorn is a startup worth at least seven and a half thousand crore rupees. The total valuation of these Unicorns is more than 330 billion dollars, that is, more than 25 lakh crore rupees."

''Certainly, this is a matter of pride for every Indian. You will also be surprised to know that out of our total unicorns, 44 came up last year. Not only that, 14 more Unicorns were formed in three-four months this year."

The Prime Minister noted that this means that even in this phase of the global pandemic, the startups have been creating wealth and value.

"The average annual growth rate of Indian Unicorns is more than those of the US, the UK and many other countries. Analysts also say that in the coming years there will be a sharp spike in these numbers. The good thing is that our Unicorns are diversifying. They are operating in many fields like E-commerce, Fin-Tech, Ed-Tech, Bio-Tech. Another thing which I consider more important is that the world of start-ups is reflecting the spirit of New India," he said.

The Prime Minister emphasized that today India's startup ecosystem is not limited to just big cities; entrepreneurs are emerging from smaller cities and towns as well which shows that in India, the one who has an innovative idea, can create wealth.

He mentioned that behind this success of the country, the youth-power of the land, the talent and the government here, all are putting in efforts together and everyone is contributing.

"But, another thing that is important in the world of Startups is, right mentoring, that is, right guidance. A good mentor can take a startup to new heights and can guide the founders in every way toward the right decision. I am proud that there are many such mentors in India who have dedicated themselves to promote startups," he said.

Modi mentioned names Sridhar Vembu, who is encouraging the rural youth to do something in this area, staying in the village itself; Madan Padaaki, who had created a platform named One-Bridge in 2014 to promote rural entrepreneurs, and Meera Shenoy, who is working in the field of 'Market Linked Skills Training' for rural, tribal and disabled youth.

"I have mentioned only a few names here, but today there is no dearth of mentors among us. It is a matter of great happiness for us that today a complete support system is evolving in the country for startups. I am sure that in the times to come, we will get to see a new flight of progress in the startup world of India," the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister pointed out that thousands of devotees are reaching every day at 'Char-Dham' and especially in Kedarnath. "People are sharing happy experiences of their 'Char-Dham Yatra'. But, I have also seen that some devotees are also very sad because of the filth being spread by some pilgrims in Kedarnath. Many people have expressed their views on social media as well," he said.

The Prime Minister noted that going on a holy pilgrimage and coming across a heap of filth there is not right. "In the midst of these complaints, one is getting to see many good pictures too. Where there is faith, there is also creation and positivity. There are many devotees who are worshiping in the Dham of Baba Kedar, as well as performing the sadhna of cleanliness," Prime Minister said.

He mentioned that some devotees are cleaning near the place of stay, while others are cleaning garbage along the travel route. "Many organizations and voluntary organisations are also working there along with the 'Swachh Bharat' campaign team. Just as a pilgrimage is important here; equally important is 'teertha sewa' as has been mentioned and I would also say that without 'teertha sewa', a pilgrimage is also incomplete. There are many people in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand who are engaged in the 'sadhana' of cleanliness and service," he said.

The Prime Minister appealed that wherever we go, let us maintain the dignity of these pilgrimage sites. "Purity, cleanliness and a pious environment, we should never forget these and for that, it is imperative that we abide by the resolution of cleanliness. A few days later, the world will celebrate June 5 as 'Environment Day'. We should run positive environment campaigns around us and this is a never ending task. This time, you should join everyone together — you should certainly make some effort for cleanliness and tree plantation. Plant a tree yourself and inspire others too," he said.

He further noted that the country is a rich treasure house of many languages, scripts and dialects. "Varied attire, cuisine and culture in different regions is our hallmark. As a nation this diversity strengthens us and keeps us united," Modi said. (IANS)

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