Prakash Lohia

Prakash Lohia is an Indian-born Indonesian businessman, and the founder and chairman of Indorama Corporation, a diversified petrochemical and textile company. In 2013, Forbes ranked him as the 6th richest person in Indonesia.

A new dawn descended in the country with Prime Minister Narendra Modi assuming power in India in the year 2014. He brought with him lot of hope, aspiration for the people and assumed office to alter and change historical blunders of the past. He is passionate   to take India to a new era and has set for himself benchmarks to help India climb to the top. To achieve the latter goal the country gave him support both in 2014 and again in 2019 with a thumping majority. He has placed India on the path for progress and prosperity, success and respect in the International arena. On personal front it has been a wonder growth for Mr. Modi himself. Coming from a family with humble background and modest means he grew within his party (BJP) from the grassroots levels to the present position. A hands-on man. 

One can go on endlessly expressing views on Mr. Modi and it would be a never ending story .I wish to be, however, concise and highlight only some of his initiatives which have left an indelible mark on the peoples consciousness. These to my mind are : 

• Strengthening India’s image on International Platform 
• Securing India’s borders 
• Swachh Bharat 
• Tax Law amendments by way of introducing GST 
• Uplift of Rural Economy 

• Digital India  
• Ayushman Bharat 
• Atmanirbhar Bharat 
• Corruption Free India 

Building the Economy – His first challenge is to strengthen the economy and he focused to bring investment in India from Japan, UK and lot many other countries with the target to make India a 5 trillion economy by 2025. 

Strengthening India’s image on International Platform – With the extensive visits and umpteen foreign tours he has built exceptional relations with Japanese PM-Mr. Shinzō Abe, President Trump, UAE Head – Mr. Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Israel Prime Minister Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, France Prime Minister Mr. Emmanuel Macron. Today India has the support of many countries in the UN and in the Security council. The image of India is that of a strong nation which will not be cowed down to terrorism and threats from neighbours. 

Securing India’s borders – One of his major achievements is to make India’s defences strong which he did by procuring state of the art Arms and Ammunition needed by the country since long. He expedited construction of border roads such that unmarked and disputed borders are not violated by countries inimical to India. 

Swach Bharat – Another of his milestone achievements is leading the people from the front so as and to educate them to keep the country clean and hygienic. He made that a mission and with his relentless efforts people today are conscious of their responsibilities to keep India clean. It is an effort at bringing about a behaviour change and hence likely to take time.  

Tax Law amendments by way of introducing GST – He took up the overhauling of multiple tax system and implemented GST the Goods and Service Tax A major challenge amending the tax laws There are teething problems in GST but whenever change occurs challenges accompany. End of the day, it is certain that GST is a revolutionary step forward which has united India and contributed to ease of doing business. 

Uplift of Rural Economy – PM Modi has been very concerned about living conditions and hardships rural India confronts. He has introduced schemes to ease the living of the people like Pradhan Mantri Ujwala Yojana, Krishi Sanchay Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana as well as electrification of the villages etc. It is a continuous process at upliftment of living standards in rural India. 

Digital India – In order to reduce corruption and for better and faster delivery of services for the common man on the street, the PM has emphasized on the Digital India such that millions of citizens are able to enjoy the benefits of schemes introduced by the Government of India. He is bringing in broadband connectivity to the villages which will revolutionize the country. 

Ayushman Bharat – A contribution by the Prime Minister is the scheme called Ayushman Bharat under which he intends to cover 10 Crore families and 50 Crore citizens across India for medical insurance up to extent of Rs. 5 Lakhs per family yearly. None of his previous predecessor came forward with such extensive health insurance scheme for the economical weaker section of the society. A great initiative indeed.  

Atmanirbhar Bharat – A matter of Pride for India; after unfortunate skirmishes with our neighbouring country PM Modi has emphasised on Atmanirbhar India meaning thereby we as a country should have strength to make and develop products either relating to Defence, Pharmaceuticals or otherwise, rather than importing and losing precious foreign exchange. Develop the industry infrastructure and have a strong export base and make the country self-reliant.  

Corruption Free India – A major challenge that India faces has been corruption.  PM Modi has taken the bull by the horn and desires to crush the demon of corruption which is eating into the roots of progress. There is not a single scam where the Government is involved. It is PM’s strong image and a clear message of Zero tolerance on corruption, that makes change inevitable on this battle front.  

We look forward to his continuous leadership and sincere efforts to lay the foundation of a strong, self-reliant new India.