Mann Ki Baat
New Delhi, May 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday informed that the number of ‘unicorns’ in the country reached the 100-mark recently and said the growth rate of these unicorns is much better compared to some other developed nations.
“A few days back, India achieved a feat, the number of ‘unicorns’ have reached the 100-mark. The total valuation of these unicorns is more than Rs 25 lakh crore. This is a matter of pride for every Indian,” Modi said in his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
The PM also informed that 44 unicorns came up last year and 14 within three-four months this year.
This means that even in this phase of the Covid pandemic, our start-ups have been creating wealth and value, he added.
The PM said the average annual growth rate of Indian unicorns is more than those of the USA, UK, and many other countries.
“Analysts also say that in the coming years there will be a sharp spike in these numbers. The good thing is that our unicorns are diversifying. They are operating in many fields like E-commerce, Fin-Tech, Ed-Tech, Bio-Tech,” Modi said.
He further said that the world of start-ups is reflecting the spirit of ‘New India’.
“Today, India’s start-up ecosystem is not limited to just big cities, entrepreneurs are emerging from smaller cities and towns as well. This shows that in India, the one who has an innovative idea that can create wealth. The youth power is behind this success of the country,” Modi said.
Emphasising the importance of right guidance, the PM said, “A good mentor can take a start-up to new heights… can guide the founders in every way toward the right decision. I am proud that there are many such mentors in India who have dedicated themselves to promoting start-ups.”
He also talked about Padma Shri Awardee Sridhar Vembu, a successful entrepreneur, who has also taken up the task of grooming other entrepreneurs.
Referring to a gift sent to him by a self-help group (SHG) from Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, Modi said, “This is a special Thanjavur Doll, which also has a GI Tag.
This gift bears the fragrance of Indianness and the blessings of Matri-Shakti – a glimpse of her affection for me.”
This is also scripting a new saga of women empowerment by making them ‘self-reliant’, he added.