Activities
ADDRESS BY SHRI S.M.KRISHNA GOVERNOR OF MAHARASHTRA AT THE LAUNCH OF THE CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS OF THE INDIAN MERCHANTS’ CHAMBER AT NCPA, NARIMAN POINT MUMBAI
18-07-2006 : Mumbai
His Excellency the President of India Dr A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, Chief Minister Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh, Deputy Chief Minister Shri R.R.Patil, President of the Indian Merchants’ Chamber Shri Nayan Patel, Chairman of the Centenary Celebrations Committee Shri Deepak Parekh, Co-Chairmen, members of the Centenary Celebrations Committee, Vice President Shri Niraj Bajaj, distinguished past Presidents, industrialists, businessmen, entrepreneurs, ladies and gentlemen….
I congratulate the Indian Merchants’ Chamber on this historic day when it is launching the Centenary Celebrations of its establishment. The Indian Merchants’ Chamber stands out in the country as a premier chamber of commerce and industry. It has a long and distinguished history of 99 years of dedicated service not only to India’s business community but also to the Indian economy and society at large. The Chamber has scrupulously avoided partisan lobbying and functioned as a think tank for the government at the State and the national level.
Few organizations can boast of credentials like the IMC. The Chamber has played an important role in the nation’s freedom struggle. It has the singular distinction of having Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation, as its Honorary Member. The building which houses the Chamber today was opened by the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
After Independence, the Chamber rightly shifted its focus to championing the cause of promoting fair economic policies and good governance. No less a person than the legendary industrialist, aviator and philanthropist the late J.R.D.Tata had praised the Chamber for its record of achievements and steadfast service to the cause of commerce and industry.
The nation is at the defining moment of economic development. We are open to the world and the world is open to us. The manufacturing sector will have to remain fiercely competitive. The Chamber should promote research and development, innovation and quality consciousness in the manufacturing sector.
Secondly, although nearly two-third of the population of India is dependent on agriculture, the contribution of the agriculture sector to the GDP is only around 21 per cent. I think the time has come for organizations like IMC to play an important role in rejuvenating the agriculture sector also.
Maharashtra has the potential to produce and export fruits, vegetables, flowers and develop fisheries. The Konkan region, which has a coastline of 720 kms, holds tremendous potential in these areas. Maharashtra urgently needs food processing and packaging industries. Agriculture can provide large-scale employment to our people provided it is developed in an appropriate manner. The Central Government has launched the National Horticulture Mission and is providing large amount of funds under various projects.
Above all, however, the Chamber should promote entrepreneurship especially among the youth of the country. Maharashtra has a natural advantage over other States in offering healthy atmosphere for business and enterprise. The State has enviable connectivity by rail, road and air. However, there is tremendous potential for entrepreneurship development in the various regions of the State that still remains to be tapped.
I would like IMC, especially its Young Entrepreneurs’ Wing to act as a catalyst in promoting entrepreneurship in the State, particularly among the youth. There is no reason why every graduate or post-graduate or management graduate should aspire only for a secure job. If we have to sustain and enhance our present rate of growth and eradicate poverty, then time has come to change this mindset. If a young man secures a job, the benefit will be confine to him and his family. However, if he sets up a business, however modest, he would be creating business for his suppliers and creditors and a few jobs. It is only by creating gainful employment on a large scale that we can sustain our present high rate of economic growths.
The University of Mumbai is embarking on its Sesqui Centenary Celebrations on this year. This is high time that the IMC and the University joined hands for mutual benefit. Let there be constant interaction between the IMC and the universities. Members of IMC should take it upon themselves to promote the spirit of entrepreneurship among the youth of the country.
India is taking giant strides on the world economic stage. For many years, it has been the second fastest growing economy in the world. Foreign experts are predicting an even brighter future for India in the decades to come. To realize these expectations, every businessman and entrepreneur should set and strive to achieve higher goals. I wish the IMC Godspeed and success to all its distinguished members.