Pramesh S Jain
Chief Minister D.K.Shivakumar on Friday said South India has emerged as one of the principal engines powering India’s economic growth,with Karnataka and Bengaluru playing a pivotal role in the country’s rise as a global economic powerhouse.
Addressing the News18 Rising Bharat Summit on the theme “The Southern Growth Engine,”the Chief Minister said there could hardly be a more appropriate place than Bengaluru to discuss the subject,given the city’s global standing in technology,innovation,manufacturing and entrepreneurship.
Drawing parallels with global economic transformations, Shivakumar said England led the Industrial Revolution, Silicon Valley drove the American century and China emerged as a global economic force.“Today, as India rises,South India has become one of the principal engines powering the country’s growth,”he said.
The Chief Minister noted that while South India accounts for only about one-fifth of India’s population,it contributes nearly one-third of the country’s Gross Value Added,underlining the region’s importance to the national economy.
He said he hopes every region of the country continues to prosper,but stressed that the southern states have a special responsibility in driving India’s future growth.
Highlighting Bengaluru’s global prominence,Shivakumar recalled former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s observation during the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Bengaluru International Airport that global leaders increasingly visit Bengaluru before travelling to Delhi,reflecting the city’s growing international importance.
He attributed Bengaluru’s success to its strengths in talent, technology,manufacturing,innovation and entrepreneurship,describing Karnataka’s human capital as its greatest asset.
The state, he said,produces large numbers of engineers, doctors, pharmacists and paramedical professionals every year, creating talent not only for Karnataka but for India and the world.
He added that leading international universities and organisations continue to seek partnerships with Karnataka because of the quality of its educational institutions.
Emphasising the government’s collaborative approach, Shivakumar said Karnataka works closely with industry, academia,the Union Government,other state governments and international partners.
Quoting industrialist Henry Ford,he said,Coming together is a beginning.Keeping together is progress.Working together is success.”
The Chief Minister also reiterated his demand for greater financial assistance from the Union Government for Bengaluru’s infrastructure.
He said he has consistently urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide more support, pointing out that Bengaluru generates significant wealth for the entire country and requires improved infrastructure and mobility to sustain its growth.
Shivakumar said Karnataka offers investment opportunities across higher education,healthcare, manufacturing, startups, information technology, innovation,agriculture,dairy,silk production and renewable energy.
He said the state’s reliable power supply, stable policies and business-friendly environment continue to attract investors,while policy continuity across successive governments has created confidence among industries.
Referring to his interaction with industry leaders earlier in the day, the Chief Minister appealed to companies to channel more Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds towards strengthening rural schools.
Improving education in rural Karnataka,he said,would enable children to compete globally without having to migrate to cities in search of better opportunities.
He also highlighted the government’s welfare guarantee schemes,describing them as a model that has inspired several other states.
According to him,the schemes provide much-needed support to ordinary citizens at a time when the cost of living continues to rise.
Shivakumar said the government remains committed to transparent and efficient governance through administrative reforms,improved public services and initiatives to make Bengaluru cleaner,more organised and more liveable.
Inviting investors to continue investing in Karnataka,he urged them to become ambassadors for the state,citing its favourable climate,vibrant culture,world-class educational institutions,thriving startup ecosystem and abundant business opportunities.
Calling for greater cooperation among southern states, Shivakumar said,When Karnataka grows,India grows.
When Tamil Nadu succeeds,India succeeds.When Telangana innovates,India innovates.When Andhra Pradesh exports, India exports.When Kerala strengthens human development, India becomes stronger.”
He said this spirit represents the true meaning of cooperative federalism and expressed confidence that India’s rise will continue to be powered by the success of the southern states,with Karnataka remaining committed to contributing to the country’s growth story.
