Jaipur, October 16 (Udaipur Kiran): Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday said that the Vande Bharat Express symbolizes India’s engineering excellence and technological self-reliance. Speaking at the ‘Prabuddhjan Sammelan’ organised under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan in Jaipur’s Civil Lines area, Vaishnaw remarked, “In the indigenous Vande Bharat train, the glass of water didn’t move, but the world was shaken. That’s the true mark of self-reliant India.”

The event, coordinated by MLA Gopal Sharma, also featured the inauguration of the ‘Namo Bharat Exhibition’, which showcased local products, indigenous innovations, and India’s technological progress.

Vaishnaw shared that 99% of smartphones used in India are now manufactured domestically, underscoring the country’s advancement in self-sufficiency and digital capability. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernising the Indian Railways through indigenous technology and improving passenger facilities.

Jaipur Junction as a ‘Vocal for Local’ Hub

MLA Gopal Sharma urged the Railway Minister to transform Jaipur Junction into a ‘Vocal for Local’ hub, promoting local artisans, products, and Rajasthan’s cultural heritage to attract tourists. He suggested that establishing Railway Schools on the lines of Kendriya and Sainik Schools would open new opportunities for technical education among local youth. Sharma also proposed revitalising the Akashvani campus and prioritising local entrepreneurs in development projects.

Namo Bharat Exhibition Showcases Innovation

The Namo Bharat Exhibition displayed a range of local and indigenous products, highlighting India’s journey towards self-reliance and technological progress. The exhibition received enthusiastic response from attendees and effectively conveyed the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Distinguished Guests and Honoured Families

The event was attended by several Padma awardees, including Padma Bhushan Devendra Jhajharia, Padma Ram Kishore Chhipa, Tilak Gitai, Munna Master, Gulabo Sapera, and Shakir Ali.

Families of war heroes and martyrs were also honoured, including Vijay Singh Dahiya, son of Param Vir Chakra recipient Brigadier Hoshiar Singh; O.P. Sharma, father of Martyr Amit Bhardwaj; Ajay Agarwal, father of Martyr Yogesh Agarwal; Kishor Singh Shekhawat, father of Martyr Himmat Singh; Surendra Yadav, father of Martyr Sankalp Yadav; and Prem Devi Yadav, wife of JP Yadav, who was martyred in the Parliament attack.

The programme was also attended by MP Manju Sharma, BJP District President Amit Goyal, entrepreneurs, defence veterans, and representatives from education, business, arts, and civil society. The event was conducted by Vivekanand Sharma and Preeti Saxena.