Tata Trusts has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh Government to develop 264 villages in Vijayawada constituency and transform them into smart villages.
In a major boost to the State Government’s flagship ‘Smart Village-Smart Ward’ programme, the Tata Trusts has agreed to work in the areas of bamboo cultivation, fisheries, health and nutrition and village development.
During an interaction with AP Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation in Vijayawada on Monday, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said, “Ratan Tata’s (Chairman Emeritus of Tata Group), credibility and simplicity add value to this social programme.”
“Ratan Tata is a symbol of India and its industrial might. He has shown how to carry out ethical and moral business. This has made his Group sustainable,” he added.
“Not only is Tata fuelling the start-up ecosystem, he is promoting and encouraging entrepreneurs and ideas that excite him. He is driving India’s start-up growth,” he said.
Responding to Naidu’s request to Tata to visit Andhra Pradesh often and mentor entrepreneurs in the State, Tata said, “I’m here to support the MoU with the State to undertake various social projects.”
Tata said, “At the end of my career, I realise that money can’t buy one thing…and, that is to create an excitement in your life. At this point of time, to be associated with Chandrababu Naidu, is what creates that excitement within me. The new State will have every bit of support that I can personally give.”
“The kind of start-ups that excite me are those which do not emulate start-ups in the US or anywhere in the world. Successful start-ups are those which strike a chord within India and overseas as well as reflect the confidence investors have in them,” Tata said.
Tata said applications of technology that meet energy challenges, issues of clean and safe drinking water and health are the issues India needs to look at.
Member of Parliament Kesineni Srinivas took up the proposal to Ratan Tata to endorse Tata Trusts’ initiative of developing 264 villages in Vijayawada constituency.