Green industry will drive India’s future: Governor Gehlot

Mangaluru: Stating that the India of the future will be driven by green industrialisation, governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot Sunday stressed the need to develop industries that are energy-efficient, reduce pollution, and follow the principles of sustainable development.

Addressing the inauguration of the state-of-the-art SIRI Mathrushree Industrial Park in Belthangady at Amruthavarshini Sabha Bhavan here, he said it was a matter of great joy that the newly established facility aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

“The project is not merely an industrial initiative but an important step towards rural development, economic empowerment of rural women, promotion of agro-based industries, employment generation for rural youth, self-reliance, and the growth of local businesses and is a nationally important project. The park will prove to be a significant milestone in the areas of regional development,” he said.

Gehlot said India ranks among the world’s fastest-growing economies and noted that Karnataka has always played a leading role in innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological development, with Bengaluru recognised as India’s technology capital.

“Our aim is to establish a global identity in manufacturing, green industry, logistics, and modern industrial infrastructure. The Industrial Park is an example of this vision,” he said, adding, “This is my second visit to Dharmasthala. Every time I come here, I take back new inspiration with me.”

Commending Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade, Gehlot described him as a shining symbol of Indian culture, selfless service, and human values, and said the Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKRDP) has emerged as an inspiring model for rural India.

Heggade said the inauguration was not merely the opening of a building but the fulfilment of a dream built on compassion, commitment, and faith in ordinary people, particularly women. Recalling the early days of SKRDP, he said he and his wife witnessed widespread poverty, with many women dependent on beedi rolling and landowning families working as daily wage labourers. Alcoholism among men further burdened women.

Realising charity alone could not bring lasting change, SKRDP focused on sustainable livelihoods, developed village-level units, and later established Siri in 2004. Heggade said SIRI’s journey has entered a new phase with the launch of the Mathrushree Industrial Park, adding that women working there should be regarded as creators, nurturers, and nation-builders.