Belthangady: Emphasising that the India of the future will be driven by green industrialisation, Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot on Sunday called for the development of industries that are energy-efficient, environmentally responsible and aligned with the principles of sustainable development.
Speaking after inaugurating the state-of-the-art SIRI Mathrushree Industrial Park at Amruthavarshini Sabha Bhavan in Belthangady, the Governor said the project reflects the vision of a developed India under the Viksit Bharat 2047 mission and represents a significant step towards inclusive and sustainable growth.
Industrial park aligns with Viksit Bharat vision
Addressing the gathering, Gehlot said the newly established industrial park is not merely an industrial venture but a comprehensive development initiative aimed at transforming rural communities.
He said the project would contribute to rural development, economic empowerment of women, promotion of agro-based industries, employment generation for rural youth, self-reliance and the growth of local enterprises.
Describing the project as one of national importance, the Governor said it would emerge as a major milestone in regional development and serve as a model for sustainable industrial growth.
“India is among the world’s fastest-growing economies, and Karnataka has consistently played a leading role in innovation, entrepreneurship and technological advancement,” he said.
Karnataka leading industrial growth
Gehlot highlighted Karnataka’s contribution to the country’s economic progress, noting that Bengaluru has earned global recognition as India’s technology capital.
He said India aims to establish a strong global identity in manufacturing, green industries, logistics and modern industrial infrastructure. According to him, the SIRI Mathrushree Industrial Park is a practical example of that vision being implemented at the grassroots level.
The Governor also expressed his admiration for Dharmasthala and said every visit to the sacred centre leaves him inspired.
“This is my second visit to Dharmasthala. Every time I come here, I return with new inspiration,” he remarked.
Governor praises Veerendra Heggade
Gehlot commended D Veerendra Heggade for his decades of service to society and described him as a shining symbol of Indian culture, selfless service and human values.
He said the Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKRDP) has emerged as an inspiring model for rural India by empowering communities and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The Governor noted that SKRDP’s efforts have significantly contributed to social and economic transformation across rural Karnataka.
Industrial park fulfils long-standing dream
Speaking on the occasion, Heggade said the inauguration marked much more than the opening of a new industrial facility. He described it as the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream built on compassion, commitment and faith in ordinary people, particularly women.
Recalling the early years of SKRDP, he said widespread poverty was prevalent in rural areas, with many women dependent on beedi rolling while even landowning families often relied on daily wage labour for survival.
He pointed out that alcoholism among men had placed additional burdens on women, making economic empowerment a necessity.
Recognising that charity alone could not bring lasting change, SKRDP focused on creating sustainable livelihoods and establishing village-level production units. These efforts eventually led to the formation of SIRI in 2004.
Focus on women-led development
Heggade said the launch of the Mathrushree Industrial Park marks a new chapter in SIRI’s journey and further strengthens its mission of empowering women through employment and entrepreneurship.
He emphasised that women working in the industrial park should not merely be viewed as employees but as creators, nurturers and nation-builders contributing to India’s development.
The industrial park is expected to generate employment opportunities, support rural enterprises and strengthen women-led economic activities in the region, thereby contributing to sustainable and inclusive growth.