New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar today urged India’s business leaders to embrace innovation, collaboration, and purpose-driven leadership to accelerate the nation’s economic transformation.
Speaking at the IMC 25 Awards Ceremony at Yashobhoomi, the Minister felicitated the winners and hailed them as the “architects of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
“India is at an extraordinary inflection point”
Highlighting the pace of technological progress, Dr Sekhar said India is witnessing unprecedented change.
“India today is not the India of even five years ago,” he remarked, pointing to rapid digital adoption, sustainability goals, and global interdependence as defining factors of the new economy.
He called upon businesses to harness this momentum by investing in artificial intelligence, research and development, and experimentation-driven cultures.
“The future belongs to ecosystems, not monopolies”
Encouraging greater synergy between established firms and emerging ventures, Dr Sekhar emphasized collaboration across industries and with government initiatives.
“We must collaborate with startups, mentor MSMEs, and align with government initiatives. The future belongs to ecosystems, not monopolies,” he said.
The Minister underscored that profit must align with purpose, stressing that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities should be central to corporate strategy.
“ESG is not a compliance checkbox but the social contract of 21st-century business,” he declared.
“Awards are fuel for tomorrow”
Congratulating the IMC awardees, Dr Sekhar described their recognition as both an achievement and a responsibility.
“These awards are not a destination, but fuel for tomorrow. They remind us that with great success comes great responsibility to employees, communities, and the nation,” he noted.
He praised the entrepreneurial courage of those who took the leap into business, reminding the audience:
“Ninety-seven percent of people who say they’ll start a company never incorporate, but you did.”
Call to action: Relentless pursuit of excellence
In his concluding remarks, Dr Sekhar urged India’s business leaders to remain driven and forward-looking.
“Stay hungry. Stay building. I see the architects of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he said, envisioning a future where Made in India is synonymous with quality, innovation, and global excellence.
The IMC 25 Awards Ceremony, part of the ongoing India Mobile Congress 2025, celebrated outstanding contributions in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Dr Sekhar’s address underlined the government’s commitment to building a robust digital ecosystem and nurturing India’s next generation of business leaders.
