Bhubaneswar: The ongoing National Executive Council Meeting of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) witnessed extensive discussions on key national and global issues, including education, India’s research ecosystem, national security, urban Maoism, women’s safety, and emerging international developments.
Delegates and student representatives from across the country participated in the deliberations, offering suggestions on draft resolutions covering education, urban Maoism, women’s safety, and the global scenario. Following detailed discussions, all four resolutions are scheduled to be placed before the Council on Sunday for unanimous adoption.
A major focus of the meeting was strengthening India’s research and development (R&D) ecosystem. ABVP called upon Indian entrepreneurs and industry leaders to significantly enhance their investment in research, innovation, and emerging technologies to support the vision of a developed India, or Viksit Bharat.
Addressing the gathering, ABVP National General Secretary Dr. Virendra Singh Solanki emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between industry, educational institutions, and the youth. He stated that India’s ambition of becoming a leading global power depends on building a robust research infrastructure and fostering a culture of innovation across sectors.
Dr. Solanki noted that India currently spends less than one percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on research and development, with nearly 60 percent of the expenditure coming from government-supported institutions such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), universities, and premier educational institutions.
He stressed that as India’s economy continues to grow and its entrepreneurs gain greater global prominence, the private sector must play a more active role in supporting long-term research initiatives. Increased investments in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, cybersecurity, biotechnology, clean energy, and other emerging fields, he said, would significantly strengthen the country’s innovation capabilities and technological competitiveness.
Highlighting ABVP’s long-standing commitment to education and nation-building, Dr. Solanki said education should not be viewed merely as a pathway to degrees or employment but as a foundation for knowledge creation and national development. He underscored the importance of promoting scientific temper, innovation, and research-oriented learning within educational institutions.
According to ABVP, a meaningful partnership between industry and academia can provide fresh momentum to the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). The organization maintained that greater investment in research and development would not only accelerate economic growth but also strengthen national security, technological self-reliance, and India’s position as a global leader in innovation.
