Science and Technology Can Make India a ‘Vishwaguru’: Nitin Gadkari
New Delhi, September 10, 2025 — Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has emphatically stated that science and technology hold the key to positioning India as a global leader, or ‘Vishwaguru.’ Speaking on Tuesday during the fifth memorial lecture in honour of former President and Bharat Ratna Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, Gadkari highlighted the transformative role of innovation in driving economic growth and addressing critical national challenges.
“Science and technology are the only things that can make India a Vishwaguru and the largest economy,” Gadkari declared, emphasizing how technological advancement must be central to India’s development agenda.
Tackling Agricultural and Rural Distress Through Innovation
Addressing concerns that plague rural India, Gadkari pointed out that agricultural stress and rural distress largely stem from the water crisis—but stressed there is no actual shortage of water in the country. “Earlier governments did not give it enough priority,” he remarked.
He elaborated, “If irrigation were implemented effectively in 55-60% of agricultural areas, production could increase by 2.5 times, thereby boosting per capita income significantly.” Gadkari underscored the potential of extending innovation and modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence and drip irrigation, to rural regions to enhance agricultural sustainability.
“Farmers need technology that increases productivity and reduces costs. When villages prosper, people do not feel forced to migrate. Today, many who migrate to cities do so not by choice but out of necessity,” he said.
Diversification and Environmental Sustainability in Agriculture
Gadkari also spoke about diversifying agriculture into the energy and power sectors. He noted that rising demand for ethanol has doubled the market price of maize, thereby increasing farmers’ incomes.
Further, he highlighted government initiatives to develop emission-free tractors and construction equipment. Linking technological advancement with environmental sustainability, Gadkari stressed the importance of innovation serving both economic growth and ecological balance.
In a notable mention of waste management, he shared progress in reducing landfill heights, noting that “within the next few years, all legacy landfills will be removed as their materials will be repurposed for road construction.” The Ghazipur waste dump, for example, has already been reduced by seven metres as part of efforts to establish circular economies in waste and infrastructure management.
Honouring Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s Legacy
The memorial lecture session commemorated Dr. Kalam, widely known as the ‘People’s President’ and a visionary scientist who championed India’s technological potential and self-reliance. Gadkari’s remarks echoed Kalam’s vision of deploying science and technology to make India a knowledge superpower on the global stage.
The Path Forward
Gadkari’s insights place innovation at the heart of India’s strategy to not only emerge as the world’s largest economy but also to improve rural livelihoods and environmental outcomes. His call to action underscores a future where technology serves as the backbone for sustainable development, rural prosperity, and India’s aspiration to regain its ancient mantle as a global teacher and leader.
As the country advances with rapid technological growth and innovation-driven policy reforms, leaders like Gadkari reiterate that harnessing science and technology is essential for India to truly become a ‘Vishwaguru’ — a global guru leading in knowledge, economy, and sustainable progress.
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