Professor Amitabh Mattoo Defines Internal Strength as Key to Viksit Bharat
India's journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047 hinges on cultivating its internal strengths of mentality and morality. This was the central message from Professor Amitabh Mattoo, Dean of JNU's School of International Studies, at the Fourth Professor Bishnu Charan Rout Memorial Lecture in Bhubaneswar.
Speaking at Geet Govinda Sadan, Prof. Mattoo delivered a lecture on 'Viksit Bharat: India's Foreign Policy and Civilization's Path-2047'. He emphasized that as India approaches its 100th year of independence, recognising and nurturing this inner power is essential. He stated that true self-awareness would make the nation invincible.
Honouring a Modern Thinker
Professor Mattoo also paid homage to the event's namesake, Professor B.C. Rout, praising him as a modern thinker. He highlighted Prof. Rout's perspective that politics should be a medium for achieving collective goals rather than a mere struggle for power.
This sentiment was echoed by other dignitaries. Chief Guest Soumyaranjan Pattanaik, Chairman & MD of Eastern Media Ltd., described Prof. Rout as a true hero of success, praising his ability to make science more relevant. Guest of Honour Bijay Kumar Pattanaik, former Chief Secretary, also shared his memories of the late professor.
Event proceedings, presided over by columnist Abhiram Biswal, included the presentation of the Fourth Professor BC Rout Memorial Award to Reeti Barik, the Political Science topper from BJB College.