Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the significance of India's robust education system in driving the nation's prosperity during the Valedictory Ceremony of the Centenary Celebrations of the University of Delhi.
Addressing the audience, PM Modi recognized the pivotal role Delhi University has played in nurturing a talented and resilient generation of young individuals.
PM Modi commenced the event by taking a metro ride to the university, engaging with students and gaining insights into their experiences. Upon arrival, he toured the exhibition titled 'Journey of 100 Years of the University.'
As the esteemed chief guest, PM Modi expressed his admiration for the contributions made by notable personalities who emerged from Delhi University, offering a glimpse into the university's vibrant life.
The Prime Minister highlighted the remarkable growth of Delhi University, which started with a mere three colleges and has now expanded to encompass over 90 colleges. He emphasized India's transformation from a fragile economy to one of the top five economies globally.
PM Modi also acknowledged the significant improvement in gender ratio, with a higher number of women studying at DU than men.
"The rich education system of India serves as the carrier of our nation's prosperity," stated PM Modi, underlining the substantial Indian contribution to the global GDP during the era of vibrant educational institutions like Nalanda and Takshila.
He lamented the decline of these institutions due to colonial oppression, which hindered India's intellectual flow and impeded its growth.
Following Independence, universities played a crucial role in shaping the emotional aspirations of post-independence India and nurturing a talented youth.
PM Modi emphasized the role of Delhi University in this transformative process, asserting that an understanding of the past shapes the nation's existence, ideals, and future vision.
The Prime Minister emphasized the interconnectedness between universities and the nation, asserting that the deeper the roots of educational institutions, the greater the progress of the country.
He envisioned Delhi University's goal shifting from India's independence to making India a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) as the institution celebrates its 125th anniversary alongside India's centenary of Independence.
Highlighting the evolving educational landscape, PM Modi stated that education is not limited to the process of teaching but encompasses the process of learning as well.
He praised the flexibility provided by the new National Education Policy, enabling students to choose subjects based on their preferences.
PM Modi acknowledged the increasing recognition of Indian universities globally, citing the rise in the number of Indian universities featured in the QS World Ranking from 12 in 2014 to 45 at present. He credited India's youth as the driving force behind this transformation.
During his recent visit to the United States, the Prime Minister emphasized the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) agreement, which will unlock new opportunities for Indian youth in sectors ranging from artificial intelligence to semiconductors.
PM Modi revealed that renowned companies such as Micron, Google, and Applied Materials have expressed their intent to invest in India, providing a promising future for the nation's youth.
PM Modi highlighted the Industry 4.0 Revolution and the integration of technologies such as AI, AR, and VR into our daily lives. He emphasized that sectors like robotics are creating new avenues for India's young generation, revolutionizing fields from transportation to healthcare.
The Prime Minister urged Delhi University to strive to become one of the world's top-ranking universities by its 125th anniversary. He expressed his aspiration for the university to become a hub of future innovations and a breeding ground for exceptional ideas and leaders, urging continuous efforts towards this goal.
PM Modi stressed the importance of aligning our minds and hearts with the goals we set for ourselves in life. The event was attended by Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan and Vice Chancellor of the University of Delhi, Yogesh Singh.
Besides, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Faculty of Technology, Computer Centre, and Academic Block in the North Campus, and released various commemorative volumes and publications, symbolizing the centenary celebrations of the University of Delhi. (Edited)