‘Youth is the growth engine of the country’: PM Modi at Anna University convocation 2022

NEW DELHI : Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 42nd convocation of Anna University in Chennai today. During the programme, PM Modi awarded gold medals and certificates to 69 gold medalists. Tamil Nadu governor, R N Ravi, state Chief Minister M K Stalin, Union Minister L Murugan were among those present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi congratulated the students on getting their degrees. “Congratulations to all those who are graduating today in Anna University’s 42nd convocation. You would have already built a future for yourselves in your minds. Therefore, today is not only a day of achievements but also of aspirations”, he said. Calling them the leaders of tomorrow, the Prime Minister also noted the sacrifices of the parents and support of teachers and non teaching staff of the University.

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The PM recalled the words of Swami Vivekananda in what was known as Madras 125 years ago about the possibilities from the youth of India. He remarked that “the whole world is looking at India’s youth with hope. Because you are the growth engines of the country and India is the world’s growth engine.”

Covid-19, technology

The Prime Minister also recalled Former President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam’s association with Anna University. “May his thoughts and values always inspire you”, said the Prime Minister.

PM Modi noted that the COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented event. It was a once-in-a-century crisis that nobody had any user manual for. It tested every country. He remarked that adversities reveal what we are made of. India faced the unknown confidently, thanks to its scientists, healthcare professionals and common people. As a result, he said, every sector in India is bustling with a new life. Industry, investment, innovation or international trade, all are seeing India at the forefront.

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In this era of tech-led disruptions, PM Modi said there are three important factors in India’s favour. The first factor is there is a taste for technology. There is a growing sense of comfort with the use of technology. Even the poorest of the poor are adapting to it. “The second factor is there is trust in risk-takers. Earlier at social occasions it was difficult for a youngster to say he or she was an entrepreneur. People used to tell them to ‘get settled’, meaning, get a salaried job. Now the situation is the opposite. The third factor is: there is temperament for reform.”

The Prime Minister underlined the link between the progress of youth and the nation. He said in conclusion “Your growth is India’s growth. Your learnings are India’s learnings. Your victory is India’s victory.”