PM Modi emphasizes importance of innovation, research, emerging technologies in shaping India’s growth trajectory

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today urged the students of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi to keep the national interest at the centre of their decisions and ask themselves how their actions can benefit the country and address its needs. Mr Modi made these remarks while addressing the 57th Convocation of IIT Delhi.

The Prime Minister said every generation faces the specific challenges of its time and carries its own national responsibility. He said the work undertaken by the graduating students over the next 30 to 35 years will have a significant bearing on the country’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat.

The Prime Minister also said that new sectors are emerging in the country, offering fresh opportunities for the youth. He cited sectors such as semiconductors, space and drones, and said India is working towards becoming self-reliant across all sectors. Mr Modi said this drive towards self-reliance will serve as a strong foundation for building a Viksit Bharat.

Mr Modi also spoke about distractions in the age of social media. He said students should avoid comparing themselves with others on the basis of salary packages, jobs or the sectors in which they are working. Mr Modi said life is not a leaderboard and one’s journey is not a competition with others but with oneself. He urged the students to work every day towards becoming better than they were the previous day.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi said that Mr Modi’s vision has made India’s education ecosystem learner-centric, research-driven, and future-ready. He added that the Prime Minister has instilled new confidence in India’s institutions that the country’s campuses are capable of producing not just graduates but innovators, researchers, and nation builders.

Chairperson, Board of Governors, of IIT Delhi, Harish Salve, and Director, IIT Delhi, Professor Rangan Banerjee were also present in the ceremony. On the occasion, the Prime Minister also inaugurated a high performance computing facility ‘Param Pragya’ at IIT Delhi.