India First: Sitharaman Urges Gen Z
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tells 3,200 graduating students to take up leadership and prioritize the country's interests
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged Gen Z and Gen Alpha to take up leadership and put the country first, emphasizing the importance of a secure and strong nation. She made the remarks while addressing the 36th convocation of Dr M G R Educational & Research Institute in Chennai, where more than 3,200 students received their degrees.
Sitharaman highlighted India's economic resilience amid global uncertainty, citing the country's performance despite the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East that have affected supplies of crude oil, gas and fertilisers. She noted that the Sriperumbudur-Oragadam corridor has emerged as a major global hub for automobile manufacturing and smartphone exports.
Tamil Nadu has also established itself as a significant player in the global capability centres (GCCs) sector, with around 350 GCCs accounting for about 10% of the national total. Coimbatore, in particular, has about 80 GCCs employing 12,000 professionals, while clusters are also expanding in Madurai and Tiruchirappalli.
The Finance Minister also emphasized the need to increase women's participation in the workforce, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. To support this goal, the Union Budget includes a plan to establish working women's hostels in every district.
## Why it matters Sitharaman's call to action is significant, as India looks to its young population to drive growth and development in the face of global challenges. With the country's economic resilience being tested by external factors, the need for strong leadership and a commitment to national interest is more pressing than ever. As the graduating students embark on their careers, they will be expected to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world and contribute to India's continued growth and prosperity.
The emphasis on increasing women's participation in the workforce, particularly in STEM fields, is also crucial for India's long-term development. By providing support and resources for women pursuing education and careers in these fields, the government aims to tap into the vast potential of India's female population and drive innovation and progress.
