Modernisation key to progress, but Indian society must resist westernisation: Nitin Gadkari

Nitin Gadkari

Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday said that while modernisation is necessary for progress and the country must excel in each field, the westernisation of Indian society that erodes its core values must be resisted.

He said that striking a balance between modern science and technology and the Indian value system will enable the country to become the ‘Vishwaguru’.“We are not against progress, but we are against the westernisation of society,” Gadkari said, addressing an event via video conference.

Gadkari highlighted that although times have changed, the teachings of revered figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Ahilyabai Holkar remain deeply relevant due to their strong value systems.“The period may have changed, but the value system remains the same,” stressed the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways.

Sharing an anecdote from one of his visits to England, Gadkari recalled a conversation with a British Prime Minister during which he was asked about India’s biggest challenge.Gadkari said, “I told him that poverty, malnutrition, unemployment, lack of education, and superstitions are the key issues contributing to population growth in India.“When I asked him the same question, the British PM told me their biggest concern was that young people were not interested in marriage and instead preferred live-in relationships.”

They have made impressive progress in infrastructure, power and water supply, communication, IT, and biotechnology, but there is an erosion on the social front, he said.“Their social life is getting devastated. Their model is not appropriate,” he said.Highlighting India’s growth, Gadkari said the country has progressed in science, bio-technology and information technology.“Out of 10 doctors in the US, six are from India.

Our way of life and its value system will always be there, and we will also accept modern science and technology, and we want a society to do so. A balance between both is a way to become Vishwaguru,” he said.He said Ahilyabai Holkar, the legendary ruler of the Holkar dynasty, endured significant hardships in her personal life, yet remained committed to justice and public welfare.

The Union minister said her vision extended to promoting infrastructure and tourism, which aligned with a broader commitment to development rooted in Indian values.“Like Shivaji Maharaj, who did not spare his son when he did wrong, Ahilyabai did the same in her personal life. Her insistence on being judicious, transparent, and committed to social wellbeing was her speciality,” Gadkari said.He also said that India must continue to toil for improvement in all sectors.“We will strive for betterment in each field, be it engineering, science and technology among others,” Gadkari added.