Sonipat: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted India's economic and social progress at the Arun Jaitley Memorial Lecture on India@2047: Towards Fulfilling the Vision of Viksit Bharat.

“From a $2 trillion economy in 2014, India is now $4.3 trillion, surpassing the UK to become the fourth largest economy, with 7.8% growth last quarter,” said Puri. He attributed this to technology, education, skills, and innovation. He noted that over 270 million people were lifted out of multidimensional poverty, and initiatives like women-led development, sanitation campaigns, and affordable housing have empowered women at the grassroots.

Puri also emphasized the importance of education and upcoming political reforms, including reserving 33.3% of assembly and parliamentary seats for women. Recalling Arun Jaitley, he praised his democratic values, student activism, and parliamentary contributions.

The lecture included reflections by Prof. C. Raj Kumar, Prof. R. Sudarshan, and Prof. Mohan Kumar. Prof. Ambreen Khan moderated the Q&A, with concluding remarks by Prof. Upasana Mahanta of O.P. Jindal Global University.