New Delhi: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that India can achieve its dream of becoming self-reliant by embracing two key philosophies “knowledge to wealth” and “no material is waste.” The minister stressed that innovation and sustainability hold the key to the country’s future growth.
“Innovation, entrepreneurship, science, technology, and research skills are knowledge. This knowledge is power, and converting it into wealth will determine the future of the country,” Gadkari said.
He added that treating waste as a resource could transform India’s economy. “Creating value from waste will not only end pollution and protect the environment but also generate jobs, cut imports, and make fuel cheaper. It is a win-win situation for all,” the minister noted.
Gadkari emphasised that sustainable development must focus on reducing pollution, cutting dependence on imports, and promoting cost-effective, indigenous solutions. “If we follow this, India will surely become atmanirbhar,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of renewable energy, he pointed out that projects in biofuels and solar power should be based on four pillars proven technology, economic viability, raw material availability, and assured markets for finished products. He also flagged the heavy economic burden of India’s fossil fuel imports, which cost around ₹22 lakh crore annually, arguing that reducing imports would create “crores of jobs” and boost domestic development.
On India’s progress in electric mobility, Gadkari said the country’s automobile industry has climbed from seventh to third place globally, surpassing Japan, thanks to the growth of electric vehicles.
