'The Dravidian model is about inclusivity, diversity, and equitable growth'

Tamil Nadu is in a transition phase from being a manufacturing powerhouse to a knowledge economy.  The state minister for industries, investment promotion, and commerce, TRBRAJAA, says it is taking significant strides in research and development (R&D) and is moving towards becoming a knowledge economy. Rajaa discusses the knowledge economy, the Dravidian model, and the manufacturing sector at the Tamil Nadu Round Table 2023 summit

- AK Bhattacharya

We keep hearing about the Dravidian model of industrial development. What is this model, how does it make a difference, and how can it be inclusive?

Things are clear when you step into Tamil Nadu and see growth in every sector, in every corner of the state. The basis of the Dravidian model is education. You give people the right to question and determine what sort of questions should be asked. Once that is given to them, they start asking for rights from the elected representatives, and that is when the state grows in a holistic way.

When you look at other states and Tamil Nadu today, we are the most urbanised because we have taken growth to every nook and corner of Tamil Nadu. The Dravidian model is all about inclusivity, diversity, and equitable growth-basically distributed growth. We would like to increase that distribution now. We have done a very good job. Our competition is not with other states in India but with Scandinavian countries, on all our markers.

We are clear that the growth of India is crucial for the growth of Tamil Nadu. Instead of two engines moving in the country, I would rather say every state should be an engine and the Centre powering it from the top. The only thing is everyone must recognise the fact that Tamil Nadu has its own inherent strengths, and so does each and every state. Look at the inherent strengths of each state and utilise them. Let them do what they are doing best. We believe that this country needs to be even more strongly united and more federal in nature.

You referred to engines of growth. What do you mean by that?

The relationship between the Centre and the state does have an effect on growth. We are different and better. We only expect others to look at us in a better way, look at our strengths, and enable us to do better.