Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and MoS PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Saturday, said that the ‘Purple Revolution’ integrated Jammu and Kashmir into India’s growing startup ecosystem.
Speaking on the sidelines of the National Startup Festival here Dr. Singh said, “The cultivation of lavender in Bhaderwah, Doda district was instrumental in transforming the region’s economic landscape.”
Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s endorsement of the initiative (Purple Revolution) in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, Dr Singh stated that it has set a benchmark for agri-startups. “The revolution that began in Bhaderwah has enabled Jammu and Kashmir to enter India’s startup movement, paving the way for states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh to follow the suit,” he said.
He said that the Republic Day tableau of 2024 showcased the ‘Purple Revolution’ at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, reflecting its national significance. “As of today, nearly 3,000 youth are earning their livelihood through lavender farming, with many leaving corporate jobs to join the startup movement in India,” he added.
Dr. Singh credited Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Startup India, Stand up India’ initiative, launched from the Red Fort, for propelling India into the league of global startup hubs. “In the past decade, India has grown from having only a handful of startups to approximately 1.75 lakh today, making it the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world,” he said.
The National Startup Festival in Jammu, he said, “Aims to extend this movement to previously untapped regions, ensuring youth understand their inherent aptitude and leverage innovation to drive economic growth.”
Dr. Singh also highlighted the contributions of CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), one of the oldest research institutions in the world, established in 1942-43. The institute has been actively engaged in harnessing the potential of medicinal plants, including lavender, to develop pharmaceutical and wellness products like mint-based tablets.
On a separate note, when asked about the controversy surrounding alleged US aid to influence voter turnout in India’s 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Dr. Singh refrained from commenting, stating, “Let’s talk about how to make Bharat Viksit,” he added—(KNO)
