Calling for a cooperative action, 'Aao Sab Saath Chalein' (come lets walk together), the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, appealed to the world leaders to join India's growth story and become a part of it.
Delivering the speech from the stage of Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar on the first day of his brain child, Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2015, the Prime Minister asked the world to match the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi and frame the policies that match his idea about "the last man".
"If you talk of recession in isolation, it is thought to be just in the context of business and industry. Have we every thought of recession as a result of low level of per capital income in countries where majority of the global population live. Have we ever thought of its solution in terms of enhancing the common man's employability, income and purchasing power?"
"Mahatma Gandhi rightly talked about the last man. Gandhiji's message can show us the way," he told the gathering comprising all the who's who of the World business and political arena.
Modi, in a statesman-like speech, though with the help of a speech prompter, apparently showcased his reformist image to the world leaders.
Fluctuations in global economy
Recognising the common concern across the world of fluctuations in the global economy, Modi said, "The biggest concern today is about fluctuations in the global economy. We all have to find ways for its stability and recovery. We have to work for sustainable and inclusive growth. We in India believe that problems present us with opportunities to become stronger, disciplined and innovative."
Modi also described various initiatives taken under his government over the past seven months. "We are trying to generate confidence.. prepare the team for a robust future. We also believe that these changes start with a change in mindset."
The Prime Minister exhumed confidence that the country's economy was getting on the track as several international agencies and financial institutions projected optimistic outlook about India's growth prospects.
"In the first two quarters, we registered a growth rate which is one per cent higher than the previous year. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that India will be the second fastest growing economy in the coming years."
OECD estimates
According to the latest forecast of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), India would be the only country among world's top economies which would increase its pace of growth this year.
He also quoted HSBC's projections for India, about becoming the world's largest growing exporter, set to move from 14th to 5th largest in the world by 2013.
Interestingly, this was the same forum from where Modi chalked his way from a Chief Minister to a business-friendly politician.
Terming the Summit as a Davos in Action, Modi mentioned that it provided a unique opportunity to budding entrepreneurs to listen face-to-face the President of the World Bank.
"This event is perhaps the biggest gathering on earth... Where, a young farmer - dreaming to set up a food processing unit, can listen to the views of the UN Secretary General on issues like Food Security," he said.