Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said optimism about new India was the common thread that emerged during his meetings in the US last week and noted that the Indian community has made a mark for itself globally in science and technology.
In his address at the 56th convocation of IIT Madras here, the Prime Minister said the graduating students were passing out at a time “when the world is looking at India as a land of unique opportunities”.
“I just returned from America. During this visit I met many heads of state, business leaders, innovators, investors. In our discussions, there was one thread common — it was optimism about new India. And the confidence in the abilities of young people of India,” he added.
The Indian community has made a mark for itself all over the world, especially in science, technology and innovation, he said. Many who were powering this “are your IIT seniors,” Modi said, adding “you are making brand India stronger globally”.
“These days I interact with young officers clearing UPSC exams. The number of IIT graduates (among them) will surprise both you and me… thus you are also making India a more developed place,” he said.
Many from the corporate world were also from IIT, he said, adding the students of the premier institutions were making India more prosperous.
The outgoing students of the premiere varsity will be missing many aspects of college life including its cultural festival, but can now buy quality footwear “without any fear”, Modi said, evoking laughter among the students.
Sources in IIT Madras said the Prime Minister might have possibly referred to apprehensions among students that monkeys could probably take away their stuff, including such footwear.
Asking the graduating students to make use of the opportunities that await them, Modi urged them to keep in mind the needs of the country.
“There are great attractive opportunities waiting for you when you step out of this institution. Make use of them. I have one request. No matter where you work, no matter where you live, do keep in mind the needs of your motherland. Think of how your work, innovation, research could help a fellow Indian,” he said.
Recalling his previous engagement in the day at the Singapore India Hackathon, Modi said the participants from different backgrounds had worked together to find solutions to common challenges.
“This is the power of teamwork, innovation and technology. It benefits not a select few but everyone. Today as India is aspiring to become a USD five trillion economy, your innovations, aspirations and application of technology will fuel this dream,” he said.
Lauding the “extremely vibrant start-up ecosystem” at the IIT Madras Research Park, Modi said he had witnessed many efforts like electric mobility and artificial intelligence (AI). “All these start-ups should create unique Indian brands which will make their place in the world market in the future. India’s innovation is a great blend of economics and utility,” he said.
