PM Narendra Modi awards meritorious students at 38th convocation of Bharathidasan University

NEW DELHI: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi awarded meritorious students at the 38th convocation ceremony of Bharathidasan University in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu today. While addressing the students, the PM said, “Our nation and its civilization has always been centered around knowledge.”

He highlighted the influence of ancient educational centres at Nalanda, Takshila, Kanchipuram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Madurai, which were frequented by pupils from across the globe. Expressing delight at being present in the “beautiful state of Tamil Nadu” and amongst youth, Modi said he was satisfied in becoming the first Prime Minister to grace the convocation ceremony at Bharathidasan University.

He added that the creation of a university is usually a legislative process and gradually new colleges are affiliated. However, Bharathidasan University was created differently as many existing colleges were brought together to create the university and provide a strong and mature foundation making the university impactful in many domains, he said.

Speaking about the concept of convocation being ancient, the Prime Minister gave the example of Tamil Sangamam where poets and intellectuals presented poetry and literature for analysis which led to the recognition of the works by a larger society.

'Knowledge system was targeted'

Highlighting the role of universities in giving direction to the nation, the PM pointed out that the nation’s knowledge system was targeted when the country was under attack. Mentioning Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and Annamalai Chettiar, the Prime Minister underlined that they started universities in the early 20th century which became hubs of knowledge and nationalism during the freedom struggle.

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Similarly, the Prime Minister said that one of the factors behind India’s rise is the rise of its universities. He mentioned India setting records in economic growth, becoming the fifth fastest major growing economy and Indian universities making a mark in global ranking in record numbers.

'Work to make develop India by 2047'

The PM asked students to think deeply about the purpose of education and how society looks at scholars. “The entire society has played a role in bringing the students to this day and emphasised the importance of giving back to them, creating a better society and country. In a way, every graduate here can contribute to creating a developed India by 2047,” he said.

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The Prime Minister reiterated his confidence in the ability of young people to make the time period till 2047 the most important years in the history of the nation. Referring to the University's motto- ‘Let us Create a Brave New World’, the Prime Minister said Indian youth are already creating such a world.