CHIEF GUEST: SHRI N. CHANDRABABU NAIDU, HON’BLE CHIEF MINISTER OF ANDHRA PRADESH
The CITD All India Industrial Promotion Conference of the Millennium – 2000 was more than just a national event—it was a turning point in the narrative of India’s industrial evolution. Organized by the Central Institute of Tool Design (CITD), this prestigious conference emerged as a visionary platform aimed at ushering in a new era of industrial reform, modernization, and global competitiveness. At the dawn of a new millennium, when economies around the world were adapting to rapid technological change, India too needed to rethink its industrial strategy. This conference responded to that need.
The CITD All India Industrial Promotion Conference of the Millennium – 2000 was more than just a national event—it was a turning point in the narrative of India’s industrial evolution. Organized by the Central Institute of Tool Design (CITD), this prestigious conference emerged as a visionary platform aimed at ushering in a new era of industrial reform, modernization, and global competitiveness. At the dawn of a new millennium, when economies around the world were adapting to rapid technological change, India too needed to rethink its industrial strategy. This conference responded to that need.
The presence of Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, as the Chief Guest added immense prestige and intellectual depth to the occasion. Widely acknowledged for transforming Hyderabad into a global IT hub, Shri Naidu had by then become a symbol of reform, digital governance, and futuristic leadership in India. His forward-thinking approach, particularly his emphasis on leveraging technology for governance and industrial growth, resonated strongly with the theme of the conference.
In his keynote address, Shri Naidu articulated a compelling vision for India’s industrial future. He underscored the importance of embracing innovation, digitization, entrepreneurship, and sustainable industrial practices to keep pace with the rapidly changing global economy. He also highlighted the need to foster public-private partnerships, attract international investment, and build a strong MSME sector, which forms the backbone of the Indian economy. His speech was not only inspiring but also practical, offering a roadmap for state and national policymakers.
One of the major highlights of the conference was its sharp focus on the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. Through various panel discussions, workshops, and expert sessions, the conference addressed the challenges faced by MSMEs, including access to finance, technology adoption, and market expansion. Shri Naidu strongly advocated for empowering small industries through better infrastructure, training, and digital tools, encouraging them to become engines of innovation and job creation.
The event also created a significant platform for international collaboration and technology transfer. Delegates from various countries and global organizations participated in the dialogue, bringing in best practices and success stories that could be contextualized for Indian industry. Exhibitions and tech showcases demonstrated the latest in industrial automation, precision engineering, and digital manufacturing, giving participants valuable insights into the future of production.
Another critical aspect of the conference was the emphasis on skills development and vocational training, with CITD taking a leadership role in shaping discussions around workforce preparedness for Industry 4.0. The Chief Minister lauded these efforts and emphasized the need for a future-ready workforce that could harness the power of modern tools, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Beyond discussions, the conference also paved the way for policy recommendations and collaborative projects. Various resolutions and suggestions emerging from the conference were later submitted to both central and state governments for further consideration. These outcomes were a testament to the conference’s role not just as a think-tank event, but as a catalyst for real-world industrial reform.
In conclusion, the CITD All India Industrial Promotion Conference of the Millennium – 2000 served as a critical milestone in shaping India’s industrial journey for the 21st century. With the invaluable presence of Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, the conference captured the imagination of policymakers, entrepreneurs, and educators alike. It set the stage for a renewed industrial mission—one grounded in innovation, inclusivity, and internationalism. Even years later, the influence of this landmark event continues to be felt in India’s pursuit of becoming a global industrial powerhouse.