Over the past decade, India has ascended to become the world’s fifth-largest economy, a notable leap from its 11th position just ten years ago. Minister for External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, attributed this transformation to a series of decisions and Atma Nirbhar (self-reliant) initiatives undertaken by the Central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking at the inauguration of KLE Society’s English Medium School (CBSE) in Chikkodi, Jaishankar emphasized India’s remarkable progress across various sectors, particularly in the digital realm, which has propelled advancements in industry, healthcare, and education.
Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has witnessed the implementation of significant projects like the PM Anna Yojana, Ujwala Yojana, and Awas Yojana, with a focus on benefiting the masses and driving development. Despite initial doubts about India’s ability to handle the COVID-19 pandemic due to perceived healthcare deficiencies, the country swiftly dispelled such notions by not only managing the crisis effectively but also emerging as a global supplier of COVID-19 vaccines to over a hundred nations. Jaishankar credited Modi’s vision and leadership for reshaping international perceptions of India in recent years.
Highlighting the government’s efforts to enhance infrastructure and services, Jaishankar noted the significant increase in passport centers across the country, reflecting the Prime Minister’s ambition to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill development, with the ultimate goal of positioning India as a global powerhouse. Recalling his time as a probationary officer in Chikkodi, Jaishankar expressed admiration for the region’s development, crediting the efforts of local institutions like the KLE Society, led by chairman Prabhakar Kore, which has made significant strides in education, healthcare, and research.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, himself a former student of KLE Society, commended the institution’s transformative impact on North Karnataka’s educational landscape, with a network of 310 schools, colleges, and universities catering to approximately 140,000 students. Founded in 1916, the KLE Society has expanded its reach globally, operating hospitals and colleges in various medical disciplines and making significant contributions to healthcare infrastructure. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Member of Legislative Council Prakash Hukkeri, KLE Society Director V.S. Sadhunavar, and former Chikkodi Municipality president Praveena Kamble, among others. Dr. Prabhakar Kore presented Dr. Jaishankar with a silver idol of Basavanna in recognition of his contributions, marking a moment of pride for the institution and its supporters.
