Bharat FDA: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Bats For US Parallel; What Is It?

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, speaking at the inaugural session of the 8th India Ideas Conclave organised by India Foundation, emphasised the need for a robust regulatory framework in India akin to the United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration). She stressed that India must establish its own "Bharat FDA," one that meets global standards, to ensure the country’s position as a leader in various sectors.

Highlighting India’s rich history of scientific achievements, Sitharaman recalled how the nation's strength in science has remained unbroken since ancient times. She referred to Nobel laureate Erwin Schrödinger, who famously acknowledged that many of his ideas were deeply influenced by Vedanta philosophy. Sitharaman pointed out that the global recognition of India's contributions to science should be built upon, and the concept of "Brand Bharat" should reflect excellence in science and technology.

Sitharaman also called for innovation in India’s tourism sector, suggesting that the country’s top 100 tourist destinations should offer self-learning, digitally-run programs. These programs, she said, could focus on the architecture, history, and cultural significance of these sites, and include content on languages such as Sanskrit, Pali, or others that are linked with the specific heritage.
In her speech, Sitharaman urged for the integration of multidisciplinary learning, combining architecture, history, language, and culture, to provide a comprehensive understanding of India’s architectural marvels. This initiative, she suggested, would not only boost tourism but also serve to preserve and promote India’s rich heritage in the global context.
 

Her remarks highlighted the vision of leveraging India's historical strengths to drive growth and development in both scientific and cultural spheres, positioning the country as a global leader in multiple sectors.