PUNE, February 13 – In a riveting address at the unveiling of INSV Koundinya, Sanjeev Sanyal, member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, emphasized the need to foster a culture of bold risk-taking in India. He revealed that the ambitious project was conceived to challenge the status quo and inspire innovation through audacious endeavors.
Speaking candidly about the journey, Sanyal shared how the idea of building a seafaring vessel inspired by ancient Indian maritime legacy was pitched directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. ‘It was a simple concept, but executing it meant embracing uncertainty at every turn,’ he noted. As an economist venturing into shipbuilding, Sanyal faced skepticism from all quarters. No one had ever constructed such a vessel outside of historical paintings.
The path from vision to reality was fraught with setbacks. ‘We learned invaluable lessons along the way,’ Sanyal recounted. The moment of truth came during the launch: would it float? Even the team harbored doubts. When they finally set sail with national-level navigators, the ship defied modern conventions, forcing sailors to relearn their craft from scratch.
Sanyal highlighted the multifaceted risks involved – physical dangers at sea, intellectual challenges in design, and reputational stakes. ‘True innovation, whether in business, science, or exploration, demands such gambles,’ he asserted. Great civilizations, he argued, thrive on the spirit to pursue ventures where failure looms large.
In today’s risk-averse world, Sanyal’s message resonates deeply. Building INSV Koundinya wasn’t just about a boat; it was a metaphor for India’s potential to lead through courage. As businesses and innovators heed this call, the nation stands poised for a renaissance of bold ideas and groundbreaking achievements.