Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the 57th convocation ceremony of IIT Delhi, urging graduating students to think beyond their individual careers and consider how their decisions can contribute to India’s development.
Addressing more than 3,000 graduating students, including 587 PhD scholars, Modi said the choices students make over the next three to four decades will have an important influence on India’s journey towards “Viksit Bharat.”
The Prime Minister told students that every generation faces unique challenges and carries a specific responsibility towards the nation.
He urged graduates to consider two questions while making important decisions:
- How will this benefit the country?
- Which national need will this fulfil?
According to Modi, this approach can help young professionals connect their individual ambitions with India’s broader development goals.
A major part of Modi’s message focused on continuous learning.
He said technological and social changes are taking place so quickly that it is difficult to predict what the world will look like two or three decades from now.
The Prime Minister therefore encouraged students to maintain their curiosity and learning mindset throughout their careers.
“Keep your curiosity alive in life… Keep your learning instinct alive. Those who learn, win.”
He said remaining open to new situations and challenges would help graduates adapt to an uncertain future.
Modi also encouraged the students to view challenges as opportunities to develop new solutions.
He said people who remain receptive to changing circumstances can transform difficult situations into opportunities.
The Prime Minister connected this mindset to the education students received at IIT Delhi, where solving complex problems is an integral part of the learning experience.
Highlighting the changing global environment, Modi said technology is one of the biggest forces influencing the global balance of power.
He pointed to the rapid development of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, and noted that new AI-related initiatives had also been launched at IIT Delhi.
According to the Prime Minister, the rapid pace of technological change is creating new opportunities for India’s young population.
Modi also highlighted India’s efforts to build domestic capabilities across emerging and strategic sectors.
He said new industries and opportunities are opening up for young people as the country works towards greater self-reliance.
The Prime Minister particularly pointed to India’s growing semiconductor sector, recalling that there had been doubts when efforts to establish domestic semiconductor manufacturing began.
He said semiconductor production has now started in India and expressed confidence in the country’s manufacturing ambitions.
“From chips to ships, everything will be made here by your hands,” Modi said.
The convocation saw more than 3,000 students receive their degrees, including 587 PhD scholars.
The graduating class enters the workforce and research ecosystem at a time when India is expanding its focus on artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced technology, manufacturing, and other emerging sectors.
