Prime Minister Modi Celebrates 10 Years of Startup India at National Startup Day

Celebrating Innovation and Growth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Bharat Mandapam to commemorate National Startup Day and the 10th anniversary of Startup India. During his address, he expressed that this occasion represents the future of a new and evolving India, as he observed a gathering of startup founders and innovators. He reflected on how startups were once viewed as a path to failure, but now, the event has grown from small gatherings at Vigyan Bhawan to a packed hall at Bharat Mandapam. Modi felt fortunate to engage with the youth for the second time in just one week.

A Journey of Transformation

Modi reminisced about the program's inception a decade ago, which began with 500-700 young individuals at Vigyan Bhawan. He recalled hearing stories from newcomers in the startup world, including a young woman who left her corporate job to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams. When she informed her mother about her decision, her mother expressed concern, fearing it would lead to disaster. This mindset about startups was prevalent in the country, but now, the landscape has dramatically changed, evolving from Vigyan Bhawan to a bustling Bharat Mandapam.

Acknowledging Young Innovators

The Prime Minister commended the young innovators who dared to dream big, celebrating the milestone of 10 years of Startup India. He emphasized that this journey is not merely a success story of a government initiative but a testament to the aspirations of countless individuals. Modi urged everyone to remember the conditions a decade ago, where opportunities for individual effort and innovation were scarce. By launching Startup India, they challenged those circumstances and provided the youth with limitless possibilities, leading to the remarkable outcomes we see today.

A Revolutionary Ecosystem

In just ten years, the Startup India mission has transformed into a revolution, positioning India as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally. Modi noted that Indian youth are now focusing on solving real-world problems, and the Startup India mission has become a significant movement. He highlighted that the number of startups has surged from fewer than 500 a decade ago to over 200,000 today. In 2014, India had only four unicorns, whereas now, there are approximately 125 active unicorns. The world is watching this success story unfold, and many young individuals present are poised to become bright case studies in the future.