The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee addressed a Global Round-table on Inclusive Innovations yesterday (March 7, 2015) at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Roundtable is being organised as part of a week long Festival of Innovations being held in the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Speaking on the occasion, the President said India has a long tradition of grassroots innovation. From time to time, the common people in this country have ushered in novel solutions to overcome their day-to-day difficulties. The drivers that influence the pursuit of innovation are many - from basic survival to propulsion of growth. A healthy eco-system is needed for harnessing the innovative potential of various segments in different sectors and at multiple levels in our society. The President said creating an inclusive eco-system calls for linkages between grassroots innovators on the one hand, and academic institutions and market forces on the other. Countries successful in building such a network have become innovation leaders. Our youth power has to be galvanized for nation-building. Students have to be encouraged to sense the unmet needs of the common man, and search, spread and celebrate innovations. The President said by partnering with companies and colleges in India and abroad, our grassroots innovators will propel a different kind of globalization. The products and services based on grassroots knowledge and creativity will reach global markets in an affordable, accessible and accountable manner. The President called upon all participants in the Round Table to participate in the Indian development story, which will exhibit frugal and sustainable pathways for other countries and communities. He said in this era of globalization, Indian innovations and development will not only benefit India but also the rest of the world. Ingenious goods and services developed through inclusive innovation, and by blending affordability, accessibility, acceptability and availability, will have the potential to transform the global landscape.
