In a distinguished ceremony organized by Malayala Manorama and The Week magazine, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh presented awards to eminent personalities from the medical field, philanthropists, and social workers. The event also marked the unveiling of the “Pioneers of India” coffee table book, celebrating 29 individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields such as social service, media, education, cinema, and music.
During his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh, who is himself a renowned endocrinologist with a four-decade-long career, expressed his satisfaction at being among the medical fraternity. He praised the “Pioneers of India” book, describing it as a remarkable tribute to the indomitable spirit of creativity that has thrived in India for millennia. The book, according to the Minister, is a testament to India’s extraordinary heritage of intellectual inquiry and pioneering achievements across diverse fields.
Dr. Singh highlighted the favorable environment for the scientific and medical community under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He pointed to recent government initiatives, such as the introduction of internships for youth, the removal of the angel tax, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules mandating companies to invest in research and development (R&D). The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering startups, citing the success in the space and biotechnology sectors following collaborations with non-governmental organizations.
As he warned of the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases alongside communicable ones, Dr. Singh reaffirmed India’s position as a frontline nation in preventive healthcare. He shared insights on sustainable startups, stressing the importance of early industry linkage and dispelling the misconception that startups are limited to the information technology sector. The Minister also highlighted the government’s priority in creating an enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Singh further emphasized the importance of preserving and transferring traditional knowledge to younger generations. He mentioned the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) initiative, which aims to digitize and disseminate India’s rich traditional knowledge.
In concluding his speech, Dr. Jitendra Singh commended the publishing house for its efforts in promoting optimism, positivity, and creativity through the “Pioneers of India” book and the awards ceremony, which recognized the remarkable contributions of individuals dedicated to improving society.