President Droupadi Murmu today said that India is on course not just for economic independence but for expanding its economic role at the global stage.

 

She said this while addressing the convocation ceremony of the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) in New Delhi.

 

The President noted that the footwear industry is playing a key role in boosting the economy with exports worth more than 2 thousand 500 million dollars in the fiscal year 2024-25. 

 

President Murmu stressed on expanding the footwear business to increase country’s exports. She added that this will increase opportunities for all the students to become self-entrepreneurs and create employment.

 

The President also highlighted that India holds a prominent position in the field of traditional leather footwear. She also underlined the considerable potential for progress in the rapidly growing sectors of sports and non-leather footwear. 

 

Lauding the FDDI on completing its 40 years, she said that the changes that have occurred in the world are perhaps unmatched in any other period of human history. 

 

She also congratulated the graduates and said that the next generation of skilled youth will fulfil the dream of Viksit Bharat 2047.

 

Addressing the gathering, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted that the entire world has great faith in the skills and capabilities of India’s talented youth.

 

He added that countries across the globe are eager to enter into trading arrangements with India and strengthen economic cooperation. 

 

Mr Goyal noted that India’s footwear, leather and lifestyle products are witnessing strong demand both in the domestic market and globally.

 

He asserted that the sector has immense potential, especially as India’s economy is projected to grow from a 4-trillion-dollar economy today to a 30-trillion-dollar economy by 2047. 

 

Congratulating all the graduates of the Institute, Mr Goyal emphasised that the ability to stay agile, to move with the times, and to dream big is what sets Indian students and youth apart from the rest of the world.

 

 

He highlighted that the students’ excellent craftsmanship and rich heritage, combined with the vast domestic market, should encourage them to contribute to the expansion of this industry.