NITI Aayog's Key Architect Amitabh Kant Steps Down

👉Who is Amitabh Kant?

A 1980-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, he has held several key positions in state and central government and is best known for leading campaigns like Incredible India, Make in India, and Startup India.

📕Early Career and Contributions

Starting as a sub-collector in Kerala’s Thalassery, Kant brought new life to the district through infrastructure, tourism, and cultural initiatives. His tenure as District Collector of Kozhikode saw major projects like the Calicut Airport expansion and Malabar Mahotsav festival.

In Kerala Tourism, he gave the state its iconic tagline "God's Own Country", revolutionizing its global tourism appeal.

🌍 Branding India to the World

At the national level, Amitabh Kant became the brain behind:

• Incredible India – a global tourism marketing success

• Atithi Devo Bhava – a hospitality awareness campaign

• Make in India – encouraging manufacturing and FDI

• Startup India – promoting entrepreneurship

• Ease of Doing Business – helping India jump 79 ranks globally

These campaigns reshaped India’s image as a dynamic, investment-friendly nation.

🧠 CEO of NITI Aayog (2016–2022)

As CEO of NITI Aayog (India's premier policy think tank), Kant focused on:

• Aspirational Districts Programme to uplift backward regions

• Atal Innovation Mission to foster startups and incubation

• Digital Public Infrastructure and Asset Monetization

• National policies on electric mobility, green hydrogen, and urban planning

His term emphasized inclusive growth, innovation, and technology.

🌐 India’s G20 Sherpa (2022–2025)

Kant was appointed as India’s G20 Sherpa in 2022, leading negotiations and diplomatic coordination for India’s G20 Presidency. Under his guidance:

• India secured consensus on the New Delhi Declaration

• The African Union became a permanent G20 member

• India's presidency was hailed for being inclusive and action-driven

🎓 Author, Speaker, and Global Awardee

Amitabh Kant is also a prolific writer and thought leader. His books include:

• Branding India – An Incredible Story

• The Elephant Moves

• How India Scaled Mt. G20 (co-authored)

He was honored with Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star in 2023 for strengthening India-Japan ties.

🛑 Resignation and the Road Ahead

On June 16, 2025, Kant stepped down as India’s G20 Sherpa after a 45-year government career. He now plans to work with startups, think tanks, academia, and entrepreneurs, supporting the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.

“I look forward to continuing India’s transformational journey outside the government.” – Amitabh Kant

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💡 Final Thoughts

Amitabh Kant's legacy is not just about bureaucracy—it's about reimagining governance with creativity, vision, and execution. From local administration in Kerala to steering India on the G20 world stage, his journey is an inspiration for civil servants, entrepreneurs, and policymakers alike.