CHENNAI: Governor R N Ravi on Monday said India’s rapid economic rise, technological strides and cultural resurgence have placed the country firmly on the path to becoming a fully developed nation by 2047, even as he underscored Tamil Nadu’s pivotal role in the national growth story.
Delivering his Republic Day address, Ravi said India has emerged as the world’s fastest-growing large economy and a beacon of hope amid global geopolitical uncertainties. “We are on the verge of becoming the world’s third-largest economy. In the last decade alone, over 25 crore people have been lifted out of absolute poverty,” he said, crediting sustained reforms and institutional strength for the transformation.
Highlighting India’s democratic legacy, the Governor said democracy runs in our DNA, citing the ancient Uttaramerur inscriptions as evidence of India’s long tradition of participatory self-governance. “Bharat stands as the Mother of Democracy,” he said.
Ravi pointed to major gains in science, technology and innovation, noting that India now ranks among the top three global start-up ecosystems. In space, he recalled that Subhansu Shukla became the first Indian to be at the International Space Station, while the opening up of the sector has led to the emergence of over 300 space start-ups.
On national security, the Governor said Operation Sindoor demonstrated the strength of India’s indigenous defence capabilities. “Our defence production has reached a record Rs 1.54 lakh crore, with exports touching Rs 23,622 crore,” he said, adding that Indian defence systems are now used by nearly 80 countries.
Ravi also highlighted India’s leadership in renewable energy, with non-fossil fuel sources accounting for over 50 per cent of installed power capacity, and the rapid expansion of digital payments, noting that UPI processed 21.6 billion transactions worth nearly Rs 28 lakh crore in December 2025 alone.
Referring to Tamil Nadu, he said the State has benefited significantly from infrastructure expansion, including enhanced railway allocations, modernised stations, airport upgrades and port development, which are strengthening connectivity and employment.
The Governor said India’s rise draws strength from its cultural heritage, with Tamil legacy occupying a special place. He cited celebrations of Kamban, the millennium of Rajendra Chola, and the Kashi Tamil Sangamam as examples of renewed cultural engagement. Calling upon all sections of society to adopt the pledge of “Nation First”, Ravi said, “Let us work together to build a self-reliant, developed Bharat by 2047.”