Tiruchirappalli: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi graced the 38th Convocation Ceremony of Bharathidasan University in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, where he not only addressed the graduating students but also presented awards to meritorious scholars. Reflecting on the significance of the event as his first public interaction in 2024, the Prime Minister commended the unique history of the university and its impactful foundation.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the distinctive creation of Bharathidasan University, where illustrious existing colleges were brought together, providing a strong and mature foundation. Emphasizing the historical importance of knowledge in Indian civilization, he referenced ancient universities like Nalanda and Takshila, as well as those in Kanchipuram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and Madurai.
The Prime Minister delved into the age-old tradition of convocation, drawing parallels with Tamil Sangamam, where intellectuals presented poetry and literature for societal recognition. He underlined the crucial role of universities in shaping the direction of a nation, citing historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, and Sir Annamalai Chettiar, who established universities that played pivotal roles during the freedom struggle.
“Encouraging graduates to ponder the purpose of education, Prime Minister Modi quoted Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore on living in harmony with existence. He urged graduates to contribute to creating a developed India by 2047 and emphasized the importance of giving back to society. With confidence in the youth’s ability to make a significant impact, he applauded their contributions in diverse fields such as vaccine development, space exploration, and the arts”.
The Prime Minister underscored the government’s efforts to match the speed and scale of the youth’s ambitions, citing achievements in infrastructure, startups, and global partnerships. He expressed optimism about India’s position in the global landscape, urging the youth to seize the opportunities and take the country to new heights.
As the journey of university education concluded for the graduates, Prime Minister Modi stressed the lifelong importance of learning, unlearning, and reskilling in an ever-changing world. He concluded by emphasizing the need for individuals to drive change actively, stating, “In a rapidly changing world, either you drive the change or the change drives you.”
