Mandya to get world-class ARAI centre: Kumaraswamy
Mysuru (Karnataka) (PTI): Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy has said that a global-standard ARAI centre will be set up in Mandya, his Lok Sabha constituency, at an estimated cost of Rs 500 crore.
He described it as a major contribution to the region and a significant boost for Karnataka's automobile sector.
Addressing a press conference on Sunday, Kumaraswamy said the proposed centre would require 100 acres of land and that the Centre had taken steps to secure it from the state government.
"My aspiration is that this world-class centre of quality and excellence be established in Mandya," the Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel said, underlining the importance of the project.
He added that he had written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking the allotment of land for it.
"I have written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah requesting the allocation of land. I am confident it will be provided at the earliest," he said, adding that funds for the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) centre had already been earmarked in the budget.
Calling the project "extremely important", Kumaraswamy said the proposed ARAI facility would benefit not only Mandya and the Mysuru region but also serve as a catalyst for the automobile sector across the state.
Explaining the role of ARAI, he said it is a premier autonomous research and development organisation under the Ministry of Heavy Industries and serves as the principal authority for testing, certification, and research in the Indian automotive sector.
Headquartered in Pune, ARAI acts as a bridge between the government and the automobile industry by ensuring compliance with standards related to vehicle safety, emissions control, and technical quality, he said.
Kumaraswamy added that on January 21, the Additional Chief Secretary of the State Revenue Department had written to the Mandya Deputy Commissioner, directing the identification of suitable land for the project.
The minister, responding to questions about his work in Mandya since being elected, said that some MLAs had repeatedly questioned him on the matter.
"This ARAI centre is my answer. In the first phase alone, Rs 500 crore will be invested, and more investments will follow. Once the state government allocates land, we will move swiftly to implement the project. So far, the CM has not responded," he said, adding the Centre is committed to strengthening the automobile sector in Karnataka.
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Be flexible and persevere: Rahul Gandhi to GenZ
New Delhi (PTI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said his message to Gen Z is simple -- "nothing in life is linear" so "be flexible and persevere".
He made the remarks in a post on YouTube accompanying a video of his recent interaction with young NRI students from the UAE.
"Real questions. Honest answers. No filters. During a conversation with young NRI students from the UAE, we spoke about identity, purpose, and the pressures faced by today's youth," Gandhi said.
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The discussion addressed some of GenZ's most pressing concerns, such as balancing profession and passion, the freedom to think, express and explore, and dealing with anxiety and overcoming judgment, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said.
"Many shared how they feel anxious about not being confident enough, about being judged, about insecurity, and about not always feeling comfortable with speaking out," he said.
A central theme of the conversation was how society often attempts to define individuals through labels and assumptions, Gandhi said.
"The message was clear: while the world may try to tell you who you are, what truly matters is staying truthful to yourself," he said.
"My message to GenZ is simple: Nothing in life is linear. Be flexible and persevere," Gandhi said.
Responding to a question about his Kanyakumari to Kashmir Bharat Jodo Yatra, Gandhi said he learnt during the yatra that one's limit is much more than one thinks.
"I met different people, I realised everybody has their own journey and they should be allowed to explore and live their journey instead of being told you are a Hindu, you are a Christian, you are a Muslim, and you are a Sikh," he told the students, according to the video.
