Stressing that closer ties between education and the actual economy are crucial for the nation’s future, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged academic institutions around India to turn their campuses into hubs of business partnership and research-driven learning.
The Prime Minister emphasized the rising significance of linking education with work and enterprise at a virtual post-budget webcast. In order to ensure that students receive both academic knowledge and practical experience, he urged colleges and universities to reconsider how learning occurs.
Emerging industries like AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics), the importance of young innovators, and the necessity of strengthening the research environment to support India’s aspirations to become a developed country were also discussed.
Credits: Deccan Herald
Bridging Education With the Real Economy
At the heart of the Prime Minister’s address was a clear message: India’s education system must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy.
Modi stressed that institutions should move beyond traditional classroom learning and actively collaborate with industries. By bringing businesses, researchers and students together, campuses can become spaces where real-world ideas, projects and innovations are developed.
“I would urge you that in this webinar, there must be a brainstorm on developing your campuses as centres of industry collaboration and research-driven learning,” he said.
Such collaboration, he noted, will help students develop practical skills, understand industry challenges and become better prepared for the job market.
Aligning Education With Future Skills
Highlighting the government’s focus on linking education with employment, the Prime Minister emphasised that the curriculum must stay aligned with evolving market needs.
He pointed out that technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation and the broader digital economy are reshaping industries across the world. To keep pace, students must be equipped with skills relevant to these fast-growing sectors.
The Prime Minister also noted that the National Education Policy 2020 provides a strong foundation for such changes, encouraging flexibility, skill development and industry-oriented learning.
“We will have to accelerate the process of linking our education system with the real-world economy,” Modi said.
Focus on the AVGC Sector
A key highlight of the discussion was the promotion of the AVGC sector—Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics—which is emerging as a major driver of India’s digital economy.
The Prime Minister said the sector has immense potential to generate employment and boost creativity-driven industries. With India’s young population and growing digital infrastructure, the country is well positioned to become a global hub for AVGC content creation.
Encouraging institutions to explore courses, training programmes and research in this space, Modi suggested that building expertise in these areas could open new opportunities for students while strengthening India’s creative economy.
Youth and Research at the Centre of Growth
Modi also praised the evolving mindset of India’s youth, describing it as one of the country’s greatest strengths. According to him, young Indians today are more innovative, ambitious and eager to experiment with new ideas.
To support this spirit, he called for a stronger research ecosystem where students and young researchers can explore innovative solutions without barriers.
“We have to create such a research ecosystem where young researchers get full opportunity to experiment and work on new ideas,” he said.
The Prime Minister also expressed pride in the rising participation of women in STEM fields, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for daughters in emerging technologies.
Credits: Economic Diplomacy Division
Building the Foundation of a Developed India
Concluding his remarks, Modi emphasised that collaboration between academia, industry and research institutions will play a crucial role in shaping India’s economic future.
By fostering innovation-driven campuses, equipping students with future-ready skills and strengthening research capabilities, India can create a workforce capable of driving long-term growth.
“With such efforts, the foundation of a Developed India will be further strengthened,” the Prime Minister said.
As the country continues its push toward becoming an innovation-led economy, transforming campuses into centres of collaboration and experimentation could be a key step in unlocking the potential of India’s next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
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