Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated on Sunday that the historic Vijayanagara empire continues to serve as a powerful inspiration for the nation's ongoing growth trajectory. She made these remarks while presiding over the second day of the Chintan Shibir, a high-level brainstorming session organized by the Union government, held this year at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi in Karnataka.
Hampi's Legacy Fuels Modern Ambitions
Before addressing the gathering, Sitharaman participated in symbolic activities, including planting a sapling at Kamalapur and administering polio drops to children at a local primary health centre. Reflecting on the region's glorious past, she highlighted the empire's historical significance. "The Vijayanagara empire was once so wealthy that it drew the attention of the entire world, and its people lived in happiness," she said. "It is due to this legacy that the nation is progressing towards development today."
She directly linked this historical inspiration to the current government's long-term vision. The Union government is striving to transform India into a fully developed and prosperous nation by 2047, marking the centenary of independence. Sitharaman emphasized that the Vijayanagara empire's principles provide a foundational source of inspiration for this monumental endeavour.
Philosophy of Inclusive Prosperity
Elaborating on the empire's governance model, the Finance Minister noted that its rulers believed in comprehensive development for all citizens. "The aim of the kings during the Vijayanagara period was the development of all. Its rulers believed that a prosperous empire would lead to the happiness of its people," she explained. She drew a parallel to contemporary policies, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embraced this inclusive philosophy and has initiated various schemes to achieve a similar vision of widespread prosperity and well-being.
Chintan Shibir: Reviewing Finance and Future Tech
The Chintan Shibir, a biennial event that reviews the national budget and economic situation, saw the participation of over 120 senior officials from the finance and corporate affairs ministries. Sitharaman expressed particular pleasure at hosting the event in Hampi, noting that the iconic location itself provided immense inspiration to all attendees.
The discussions at the retreat were strategically focused on critical areas for economic advancement:
- Financing for national development goals.
- Further improving the ease of doing business in India.
- Promoting the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across sectors.
On the health front, Sitharaman also highlighted a major national achievement, crediting public collaboration with the health ministry for the successful eradication of polio from the country.
