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Nitin Gadkari addresses Times Network’s India Economic Conclave 2023
Mumbai: India’s premium broadcast network, Times Network, is hosting the ninth edition of its annual signature event, India Economic Conclave (IEC) scheduled on 1 & 2 June 2023 at Taj Palace, New Delhi. A distinguished global platform, India Economic Conclave has been instrumental in shaping a national discourse on the country’s economic growth. Driving the theme, “India: The Emerging Third Superpower”, IEC 2023 will lead critical conversations with eminent policymakers, global visionaries, and iconic leaders from India Inc on India’s growth as a leading global superpower.
Speaking at Times Network India Economic Conclave 2023, Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road, Transport & Highways said, “We are making significant progress towards achieving the vision of our Prime Minister, which is Atmanirbhar Bharat. Our economy is currently the fastest growing in the world, and we have moved up from the fourth to the third position, surpassing Japan in terms of economic rankings. This transformation has filled us with optimism, and we are confident that we will soon become a dominant economic power. Our ambitious goal of achieving a five trillion-dollar economy is on track to be realised in the near future.”
“When it comes to maintaining quality, our focus lies in reducing construction costs without compromising on construction standards. Additionally, we prioritise the environment and ecology. We have successfully utilised bamboo from Assam to create crash barriers, which have undergone rigorous testing and are now being implemented nationwide. Moreover, we have undertaken extensive tree transplantation initiatives, including planting 12,000 trees along the Dwarka Express highway and over 3.5 crore trees exceeding three meters in height. Currently, our country consumes 80 lakh tons of bitumen, while our refinery’s capacity is 50 lakh tons, necessitating the import of 30 lakh tons. To address this, we have taken the decision to produce bitumen from rice straw, enabling our farmers to contribute towards producing 30 lakh tons of bitumen domestically.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
