In his acceptance remarks, streamed on the social media platform X,

Jaishankar expressed gratitude to the SIES, one of India’s oldest educational societies, for the exceptional honour. He reflected on the enduring contributions of Maha Periyavar, including the celebrated musical composition “Maithreem Bhajatham,” which advocates universal brotherhood and compassion. He emphasized the international reach and influence of Maha Periyavar’s vision, noting how his teachings resonate on the global stage.

Jaishankar’s speech underscored India’s emergence as an independent power committed to global welfare, particularly the well-being of the Global South. He emphasized the importance of self-confidence in the nation’s capabilities, urging people to disregard voices that undermine India’s potential. “This confidence,” he stated, “is what makes India a timeless reality in an ever-changing world.”

He pointed out that India’s growing assertiveness stems from a sense of independence, which does not signify distancing from dominant global narratives but instead reflects India’s ability to approach challenges with unique solutions. Citing examples, he highlighted India’s advocacy for diplomacy and dialogue during conflicts when much of the world had turned away, its uncompromising stance on terrorism, its support for the African Union in the G20, and its leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. These actions, he said, showcase India’s commitment to doing what is right for its national interest and the global good.

Jaishankar clarified that independence should not be mistaken for neutrality. “Bharat can never permit others to have a veto on its choices,” he declared, emphasizing that the nation’s decisions are guided by its interests and moral compass. He also pointed to India’s promotion of Shree Anna (millets), Yoga, and its broader civilizational heritage as examples of how the country is deepening its global influence.

The minister highlighted that a strong belief in India’s capabilities, coupled with a recognition of its rich traditions and heritage, will shape its journey toward prosperity. He credited the teachings of Maha Periyavar as a guiding force in this transformative journey, asserting that such values will continue to drive India’s aspirations on the global stage.

This honour recognizes Jaishankar’s pivotal role in shaping India’s foreign policy and his efforts to position Bharat as a nation of significance in the evolving global order.

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The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting highlighted this accomplishment through a social media post, emphasizing India’s strides in utilizing technology to enhance governance, citizen engagement, and overall societal impact.

The NRI, published by the Washington DC-based Portulans Institute, assesses countries on their technological advancements and their ability to leverage them for governance and development. “India has improved its position by eleven slots and is now placed at 49th rank as per the Network Readiness Index 2024 (NRI 2024),” the ministry stated.

In 2023, India held the 60th position with a score of 49.93. This year, the nation not only climbed the rankings but also improved its score to 53.63, reflecting consistent efforts in advancing its digital infrastructure, technology, and research capabilities.

Key Drivers of India’s Progress

India’s advancements in areas like artificial intelligence, mobile networks, and broadband have played a pivotal role in this growth. The government has been leveraging these technologies to improve the quality of life for its citizens while also contributing to global research.

The ministry remarked, “India is not only moving ahead with technology but also expanding the scope of new research in the field of artificial intelligence, mobile networks, and broadband at the global level and also using them for promoting the ease of living.”

A Growing Global Role

The improved ranking underlines India’s emergence as a global leader in technology adoption and innovation. The government’s focused efforts on strengthening digital infrastructure, fostering research and development, and driving innovation have been instrumental in achieving this progress.

This accomplishment lays a strong foundation for India’s future advancements in digital transformation and innovation, further solidifying its position as a key player in the global technology landscape.

India’s remarkable rise in the Network Readiness Index is a testament to its growing technological prowess and commitment to leveraging innovation for societal and economic development.

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