Vidisha, Jan 17 (NationPress) Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Saturday stressed the significance of honest and committed leaders who put the interests of villages, the economically disadvantaged, laborers, and farmers at the forefront, asserting that India's advancement relies on their empowerment.

During an event in Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha district, where he inaugurated and laid the groundwork for eight national highway initiatives amounting to over Rs 4,400 crore, Gadkari stated: "Our nation requires leaders who work with integrity for our villages, the poor, laborers, and farmers. Our goal today is to transform our country into a ‘Vishwa Guru’, a global leader and the largest economy in the world. We possess the capability to achieve this."

He pointed out India's vast talent reservoir, highlighting that Indian engineers, software specialists, and physicians are making significant strides globally. "Our engineers are making their mark worldwide. A Japanese leader once asked me if Indian software engineers have some inherent mathematical talent. In the United States and the UK, 6 out of 10 doctors are of Indian origin," he noted.

Gadkari asserted that "knowledge equates to power," which includes innovation, entrepreneurship, scientific advancements, technology, research, skills, and optimal practices.

The minister envisaged a prosperous rural India, predicting: "It won't be long before we transition from cities back to villages." He advocated for electric agricultural machinery, such as tractors, harvesters, and generators, to save farmers millions in expenses, emphasizing that "we import fossil fuels worth Rs 22 lakh crore."

He sought the cooperation of former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who had shown agreement, commending the ongoing initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chouhan's leadership aimed at enhancing farmers' prosperity.

In a metaphorical assurance, Gadkari promised to meet the needs of leaders like Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, and Rakesh Singh: "I possess Draupadi's plate; irrespective of how many come to partake, no one will leave hungry. I assure you this."

Reflecting on his tenure in Mumbai (1995-2000), the minister claimed to have accomplished Rs 6,000 crore in projects—including the Mumbai-Pune Expressway—with merely Rs 5 crore, claiming: "There is no deficiency of funds in this nation." He highlighted farmers’ capabilities beyond mere food production, positioning them as energy suppliers.

"Our farmers can also produce hydrogen," he mentioned, referencing the success of ethanol blending: petrol now aligns with ethanol pricing, fueling vehicles from scooters to trucks. In Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s region, electricity generated by farmers meets the entire needs of the Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency.

Gadkari discussed reducing import reliance, mentioning advancements in local production of various goods, including aircraft engines, with farmers participating in cutting-edge innovations.

The event, attended by dignitaries including Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, aligned with broader aspirations for rural development, such as establishing smart villages and converting waste into wealth.