India must move beyond adopting global technologies and emerge as a creator of world-class innovations if it wants to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, according to renowned scientist Dr. R. A. Mashelkar.
Speaking at a special lecture under the FICCI Legends Series, the Padma Vibhushan awardee, Fellow of the Royal Society and former Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) said that deep technology, artificial intelligence and inclusive innovation will play a crucial role in shaping India’s future.
Delivering a lecture on the theme “Winning Through Innovation: Lessons for Industry and Society,” Dr. Mashelkar said India should focus on creating breakthrough technologies rather than relying on innovations developed elsewhere.
He reiterated his widely recognised philosophy of “More from Less for More,” describing it as a roadmap for sustainable and inclusive development. According to him, innovation should aim to deliver high-quality and affordable solutions to a larger population while making efficient use of limited resources.
Dr. Mashelkar stressed that excellence, affordability and inclusivity should become the defining features of India’s innovation ecosystem. He said these principles would help the country strengthen its position as a global innovation leader while ensuring that technological progress benefits society at large.
Highlighting India’s achievements in healthcare innovation, he pointed to several examples where technology has been used to solve real-world problems. These included smartphone-based tuberculosis screening, artificial intelligence-driven disease detection, digital maternal healthcare solutions and non-invasive anaemia diagnosis. He said these initiatives demonstrate India’s ability to develop globally relevant technologies despite resource constraints.
Calling for greater investment in research and development, Dr. Mashelkar urged both the government and industry to increase funding for deep science, disruptive technologies and high-risk research. He noted that sustained investment in innovation will be essential for India’s long-term economic growth and technological leadership.
Former FICCI President R. V. Kanoria also addressed the gathering and said innovation would play a decisive role in determining India’s economic competitiveness in the years ahead. He emphasised that technological advancement would be critical for strengthening the country’s global position.
Ankit Mehta, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of ideaForge, described Dr. Mashelkar’s “More from Less for More” philosophy as a practical framework for developing people-centric innovations. He said the approach has the potential to improve the lives of millions by making advanced technologies more accessible and affordable.
The event brought together representatives from industry, startups, research institutions and the policy ecosystem. Participants discussed the importance of collaboration between academia, businesses and government in accelerating India’s innovation journey.
The FICCI Legends Series regularly features distinguished leaders who share insights on national development and emerging opportunities. Dr. Mashelkar’s address reinforced the importance of innovation-led growth as India works towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
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