Union Minister Sonowal inaugurates the Gati Shakti Chair at IIM Shillong, aiming for the Northeast’s logistics empowerment.
On the auspicious occasion of February 23, 2024, the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Shillong witnessed a significant milestone in the realm of academic research and logistical development with the inauguration of India’s first Gati Shakti Research Chair. The event, graced by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, marked a pivotal moment in India’s pursuit of enhanced logistical capabilities, particularly focusing on the northeastern region’s development.
The ceremony saw the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) and IIM, Shillong, signifying a collaborative effort to establish the Gati Shakti Research Chair. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering research and innovation in the logistics domain, particularly in regions that have historically faced logistical challenges like the Northeast.
Speaking at the event, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised the transformative potential of the Gati Shakti Research Chair in empowering the youth of the Northeast. He articulated that academic research through this chair would emancipate ‘Yuva Shakti’ (youth power), paving the way for development led by empowerment. The establishment of the chair at IIM Shillong signifies a strategic move towards positioning the Northeast as a leader in the research and development of multimodal logistics activities.
The Gati Shakti Research Chair is poised to spearhead high-quality academic research on multimodal logistics, with a specific focus on the Northeast region. It aims to build knowledge on logistical development strategies, facilitate innovation for capacity building, and foster collaboration with global experts in the field. Furthermore, the chair aims to strengthen ties between academia, industry stakeholders, and government bodies to effectively contribute to the PM Gati Shakti Masterplan’s logistical capacity-building objectives.
A strategic roundtable discussion organised alongside the inauguration focused on enhancing the Northeast’s logistical connectivity and aligning with national and international regions to bolster the local economy. The meet aimed at strategizing the development of a collective Northeast logistics policy, emphasising the operationalization and implementation of policies related to multimodal logistics in the region.
Projects such as Arth Ganga and Mahabahu Brahmaputra, aimed at fostering holistic socio-economic development along the River Ganga and Brahmaputra, were highlighted as examples of the region’s progress. Minister Sonowal credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership for the unprecedented growth and development experienced by the Northeast, particularly in infrastructure and connectivity.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways reiterated its commitment to advancing the Gati Shakti vision through the research chair initiative. This collaborative effort between academia and government institutions underscores the recognition of the vital significance of multimodal logistics in the Northeast’s overall development.
In conclusion, the inauguration of the Gati Shakti Research Chair at IIM Shillong marks a significant step towards empowering the Northeast and leveraging its potential as a vital logistics hub. Through research, innovation, and collaboration, the region aims to emerge as a key player in India’s logistical landscape, contributing to national growth and development.
Source: PIB
