Bengaluru, the banyan tree that never stops growing
There will always be differences between parties. That’s democracy at work. When it comes to building Bengaluru, the city must come first. The partnership between the Centre and the State is not just constitutional, it is essential for a city this size.
In the outskirts of Bengaluru lies the majestic Dodda Aalada Mara, a banyan tree over 400 years old. This remarkable tree exhibits unique characteristics, with its branches growing roots that eventually become new trunks, each subsequently sprouting more branches. The roots of the tree remain deep, mirroring the deep-rooted history of Bengaluru itself.
The city has grown exponentially over the centuries, with deep historical roots tracing back to the visionary leadership of Kempegowda. Pioneering institutions like the Indian Institute of Science, HAL, BEL, and ISRO were established during the British rule, forming a strong foundation for Bengaluru's growth. Post-independence, state governments and policy-making bodies played pivotal roles in developing the Electronics City and nurturing Bengaluru's IT capital status.
Despite its rapid expansion, the city has preserved its unique character, offering an ideal climate, picturesque gardens, and a laid-back culture. In recent years, Bengaluru has transformed from being recognized as the Pensioners' Paradise to the Founders' Paradise, thanks to the Startup India initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016.
This initiative aimed at simplifying the process for young entrepreneurs to start their businesses in India, attracting over $76 billion in funding for startups in Bengaluru since 2014. The city has witnessed growth in various sectors beyond software and IT, with manufacturing industries expanding as well. Foxconn's investment of ₹20,000 crore in an iPhone manufacturing facility at Devanahalli has created nearly 30,000 jobs, with 80% of the workforce being women.
This shift from a software-centric hub to a diversified economic powerhouse has led to Karnataka's electronics exports increasing more than three-fold in just four years, from $2.26 billion to $7.84 billion. The Beyond Bengaluru Mission, launched in 2021, aims to spread the digital economy's growth outside the city, with promising results despite initial challenges.
Additionally, Bengaluru has become a hub for advanced space technology, with companies like Pixxel, Digantara, GalaxEye, and Bellatrix contributing to the sector. HAL's contract for 97 Tejas fighter aircraft, valued at ₹62,370 crore, signifies the city's growing influence in India's defense sector. Overall, Bengaluru's ability to innovate and adapt, backed by stable policies, robust infrastructure, and a conducive environment for innovation, positions it as a truly remarkable city with immense potential.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
