India is the land of opportunities: Om Birla
Platinum Jubilee celebration of Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Chamber must go broaden scope, drive innovation: Om Birla
Jamshedpur, May 25: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Sunday underscored India’s growing influence in technology, innovation, and industrial capacity, calling the country a “land of opportunity” and a beacon for global investment. Addressing the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) at Loyola School auditorium in Jamshedpur, Birla hailed India’s rise as a self-reliant, innovation-driven economy and emphasized the collective responsibility to achieve national development goals.
The event was marked by a grand cultural welcome for Om Birla, who was visiting Jamshedpur for the first time. The celebration witnessed the presence of several dignitaries including Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, former Union Minister Arjun Munda, and Jamshedpur MP Bidyut Baran Mahato.
People from business and social sectors across Kolhan and other regions participated in the event. The Chamber showcased its 75-year journey, during which all its former presidents were felicitated for their contribution to industrial development.
From Dependency to Self-Reliance
In his address, Birla highlighted the paradigm shift in India’s industrial trajectory. “Earlier, research and innovation were the forte of developed nations. But today, India is leading in technical research. Our capabilities have increased, and our research is becoming better than global standards,” he said. He noted that Indian industries, once dependent on global giants, are now building large-scale enterprises on their own.
“We must dream big to achieve big. Today, India has the strength and will to create its own industrial giants,” he added, calling on young entrepreneurs to leverage India’s industrial transformation.
Tribute to Jharkhand’s Legacy
Birla paid homage to Jharkhand’s cultural and revolutionary legacy, particularly remembering tribal icon Birsa Munda. He acknowledged Jamsetji Tata’s vision, which brought about industrial, economic, and social transformation before India gained independence.
He remarked, “This land of Birsa Munda saw Tata laying the foundation for industrial development. Today, it is home to the world’s largest steel plant, giving the city its global identity.”
Role of Chamber in Nation-Building
Appreciating the role of the Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Birla said, “Not only has the Chamber accelerated economic activity, but it has also contributed meaningfully to the social sector. I congratulate them for their 75-year journey.”
Founded in 1948 in undivided Bihar and officially registered as SCCI in 1950, the Chamber has functioned as a crucial link between the government and small and large industries. Today, SCCI boasts 2,500 active members.
Call for National Unity and Youth Engagement
Stressing the importance of collective effort in nation-building, Birla said, “To make India a developed nation, every citizen must contribute. Only through unity and cooperation can we transform the country.”
He emphasized the need to prepare for the future by integrating youth and technology. “As the country celebrates 75 years of independence alongside the Chamber’s jubilee, we must think about where we want to be when we reach 100 years,” he said.
Birla also encouraged the Chamber to expand its vision and tackle global challenges like recession. “The Chamber must now work beyond its traditional scope, engage in global economic research, and help shape India’s future through innovation.”
India as a Global Economic Power
Birla expressed pride in India’s status as the world’s fourth-largest economy, attributing this growth to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and the hard work of India’s youth. “The youth are driving India towards self-reliance in every sector. India is no longer just a market—it is the engine of global growth,” he said.
Highlighting India’s skilled workforce, he added, “Young Indians are working in top global companies. This is why people from developed nations are looking at India with hope.”
Policy Support and Industrial Growth
Reaffirming India’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, Birla said both central and state governments are actively formulating business-friendly policies. “Entrepreneurship must be encouraged. Our policies should enable the growth of new industries and startups, which will further strengthen the country’s economy,” he noted.
He also stressed the importance of continuous dialogue between all levels of government to create a seamless business environment.
