Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday attended the 57th convocation of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and congratulated the students and called upon them to convert new challenges into opportunities in the rapidly changing world.
In his address, PM Modi said that today marks the beginning of a new journey in the lives of the country’s talented youth. This is a memorable moment, filled with excitement, enthusiasm, dreams, and emotions. It is also special for him to be a part of this moment and share his experiences with the students on the IIT Delhi campus.
It would have been better if there were one or two daughters among the medal winners.
Prime Minister Modi congratulated the students who received medals for various achievements at the convocation. He noted that some new initiatives related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) have also been launched at IIT Delhi today, and he congratulated the institute and students for this. He added that it would have been even better if one or two daughters had also been among the medal recipients.
The journey from orientation to graduation
PM Modi asked the students to recall their first day at IIT Delhi. He said that they must have felt like it was just yesterday that orientation had taken place, and now it was time for convocation. The journey from orientation to convocation must have brought both satisfaction and excitement to the students about starting a new chapter in their lives.
Every student has different dreams and paths.
The Prime Minister said that every student present at the convocation will have their own vision of tomorrow. Some will be waiting for their first salary, others will be preparing for a new beginning in a new city. Some will be dreaming of a new startup, while others will have set their sights on the next competitive exam.
He said that everyone’s path and dreams are different, but the excitement about starting a new chapter is the same. He urged students to live this moment to the fullest and said that when their future responsibilities increase, these memories will guide them back to the past.
In this changing world, only those who learn will progress.
PM Modi said that the world is changing rapidly, and no one can predict what the situation will be like 20-30 years from now. However, the changing world and technology will also bring new opportunities. He said, “Only those who learn will win.” Those who are prepared for new circumstances and challenges turn challenges into opportunities. He said that this is what the students at IIT Delhi have learned.
Express gratitude to the teachers and the institution
The Prime Minister urged students to reflect on their friends, teachers, mentors, and support staff, who have become family. He emphasized that professors have fostered the potential of students, and IIT Delhi has gradually become their home. Upon achieving success, students should be grateful for their contributions and support.
Maintain curiosity and the habit of asking questions
PM Modi urged students to maintain curiosity and a constant learning drive. He said that things that are accepted without thinking should be examined and questioned. However, one should not stop at asking questions; one should also have the courage to find solutions.
India moving towards self-reliance
The Prime Minister said that India is working towards self-reliance in various sectors, including economic self-reliance, technological self-reliance, and industrial self-reliance. Citing the example of the semiconductor sector, he said that when India took steps in this direction, some people questioned whether the country could do it, but now the first semiconductor unit has begun production.
The goal is to manufacture from chip to ship in the country.
PM Modi stated that he has full faith in the potential of India’s youth. He said, “Everything from chips to ships will be made right here, by your own hands.” He emphasized that with this strong foundation, young people must contribute to building a developed India. The role of youth is crucial in India’s journey towards a developed one, and the stronger the youth, the stronger the nation.
Opportunities for youth in new areas
The Prime Minister said that the government has opened up many sectors that were previously restricted from entering. By incorporating modern thinking into governance, new opportunities are being created for the youth. He added that new avenues are constantly being created to connect the talent and energy of the youth with the country’s development.
Youth are looking for new possibilities in the drone sector
PM Modi said that today, young people are creating new possibilities in the country’s drone sector. Drones are being used in agriculture and also for delivering medicines. Drones are also playing a vital role in the country’s defense and security. He said that today’s youth are working in new technologies that were previously difficult to imagine.
Youth gave strength to the startup revolution
The Prime Minister said that India’s startup revolution has been shaped and powered by young people from institutions like the IITs. He noted that IIT Delhi has also produced many founders. He added that if one institution can create such a powerful force, one can imagine the immense potential being developed by youth across the country.