Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the 57th convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, where he conferred degrees upon over 3,000 students, including 587 PhD scholars. The Prime Minister also inaugurated Param Pragya, a new artificial intelligence-powered high-performance supercomputing facility at IIT Delhi’s Sonepat campus.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Prime Minister’s presence at the convocation marked a significant occasion, as he had previously attended the ceremony virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the graduating students, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the transformative power of their IIT education, stating that it equipped them not only with technical knowledge but also with the capacity to solve complex challenges and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.
Continuous Learning and Facing Life’s Challenges
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the dynamic nature of the global landscape, predicting significant technological and professional shifts over the next two to three decades. He stressed the indispensable role of continuous learning, stating, “The one who learns will win.” He urged the graduates to cultivate the courage to innovate and find novel solutions to emerging problems, transforming adversities into opportunities. Drawing a parallel between academic rigor and the broader spectrum of life, the Prime Minister remarked that while IIT examinations adhere to a defined syllabus, “in the examination of life, everything is out of syllabus.” He encouraged an enduring spirit of curiosity, the willingness to question established paradigms, and the bravery to pursue innovative solutions.
Opportunities in Emerging Sectors and Research
The Prime Minister outlined the expanding horizons for young Indians across various high-growth sectors. He specifically mentioned opportunities in space technology, semiconductors, drones, artificial intelligence, data centers, critical minerals, quantum computing, electric mobility, and energy storage. Prime Minister Modi credited the vibrant startup ecosystem and the burgeoning digital economy of India to the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative drive of the youth. He further underscored research as a pivotal area of opportunity, referencing national initiatives such as the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship, the Research, Development and Innovation Scheme, and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation. A stronger research ecosystem, he stated, requires greater commitment from young researchers.
National Interest and Personal Growth
Prime Minister Modi urged the graduating students to perceive their professional journeys as integral to India’s aspiration of becoming a developed nation. He advised them to consider the national interest when making significant career and life decisions. Towards the conclusion of his address, he cautioned the students against the pervasive tendency to compare their personal and professional achievements, such as salaries, jobs, and career trajectories, with those of their peers, especially on social media platforms. “Life is not a leaderboard. Your real race is not with someone else; it is with yourself,” Modi asserted. He encouraged the graduates to maintain their focus on personal growth, foster a lifelong commitment to learning, and nurture their innate curiosity as they embark on the subsequent phase of their lives.
The Chenab Times News Desk