Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, delivered the Valedictory Address at the two day National Conference titled ‘Pathways to Viksit Bharat: A Centenary Conclave’, organized by Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), University of Delhi, at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi today.

Addressing distinguished faculty members, economic experts, policymakers and students, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri reflected on the critical interplay between continuity and change in India's developmental journey. Commemorating SRCC’s centenary year, the Minister emphasized how the institution founded during colonial rule, now prepares young Indians to lead global enterprises and shape public policy in a nation of vastly expanded possibilities.

Invoking philosopher Alfred North Whitehead, Shri Puri remarked, “The task of a university is to weld together imagination and experience. An institution that sustains this exchange keeps renewing its intellectual life. That is how knowledge advances and how societies acquire the capacity to change.” He urged students to leverage their academic training in commerce and economics to exercise critical judgment, question assumptions and transform practical challenges into productive enterprises.

The Government of India has approved the Samudra Manthan Scheme (National Offshore Exploration Scheme) with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore. This scheme aims to unlock India's vast offshore hydrocarbon potential and strengthen energy security. It focuses on accelerating exploration, deploying modern technology, creating shared infrastructure, and strengthening domestic manufacturing.

Focusing on the energy sector and sustainable economic development, Shri Puri cited the GOBARdhan scheme launched on 1 October, underscoring Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of ‘Waste to Wealth’ and ‘Annadata to Urjadata’. He stated that converting agricultural residue and organic waste into domestic energy is a practical commercial opportunity that serves farmers, generates economic returns and strengthens national energy security.

Highlighting India’s resilience amidst global economic turbulence and geopolitical disruptions, the Minister noted that India successfully maintained the continuity of essential fuel supplies during recent West Asian crises by diversifying energy sources and bolstering domestic capacities.

Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call during his recent visit to SRCC, Shri Puri asked the young audience why Indian enterprises should not lead the world when Indian talent already leads major global corporations. He challenged the youth to build world-class Indian institutions and enterprises rooted in reliability, innovation, and international trust.

Concluding his address, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri expressed firm confidence that the youth entering their professional prime will drive India towards becoming a developed nation Viksit Bharat by 2047. The two-day Centenary Conclave brought together leading policymakers, economists, and students to deliberate on policy priorities, financial coordination and economic growth pathways for India's future.

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SJ

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