New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi graced the 57th convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi on Saturday, marking a significant moment for the graduating students and the institution. In his address, the Prime Minister not only congratulated the scholars on their achievements but also underscored the imperative of continuous learning in a rapidly evolving world. He inaugurated the state-of-the-art Param Pragya AI supercomputing facility at the institute’s Sonipat campus, a move poised to bolster India’s prowess in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.
The convocation, a culmination of years of rigorous academic pursuit, saw hundreds of bright minds receive their degrees, medals, and accolades. Prime Minister Modi’s presence, a departure from the virtual attendance during the COVID-19 pandemic, resonated deeply with the graduating cohort and their families. "The last time I attended this convocation, the entire country was going through the period of COVID. Back then, I had joined virtually, but today, I am present here among all you young friends and that is why I am feeling very good," he remarked, highlighting the significance of physical presence and shared experience.
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A Call to Action: Learning as the Ultimate Competitive Edge
At the heart of Prime Minister Modi’s address was a powerful message to the graduating class: "The one who learns will win." He emphasized that while technology, industries, and global dynamics are in constant flux, the commitment to lifelong learning remains the most crucial determinant of success. "The world will change, technology will change, industries will change, professions will change, but amid all of this, remember my words – the one who learns will win," he declared, instilling a forward-looking perspective in the young graduates as they step into the professional arena.
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The Prime Minister acknowledged the transformative era these graduates are entering, characterized by unprecedented technological advancements and shifting global power equations. He painted a picture of a future that is difficult to predict with certainty but underscored that adaptability and a persistent thirst for knowledge would be the guiding principles for navigating it. This philosophy directly aligns with India’s broader ambition to foster a knowledge-based economy and remain at the forefront of innovation.
Championing Inclusivity: A Nuanced Observation on Women’s Representation
A poignant moment during the ceremony was Prime Minister Modi’s observation regarding the representation of women among the medal winners. While extending his heartfelt congratulations to all meritorious students, he gently pointed out the need for greater female participation in top academic accolades. "Today, several students have received medals for their achievements. I congratulate all of you very much for this. But it would have been even better if there were one or two more daughters [female students] among them… Actual situation, you know!" he stated, sparking a thoughtful reflection on gender parity in higher education and the pursuit of excellence. This candid remark serves as a subtle yet significant nudge towards ensuring that opportunities and recognition are equitably distributed, fostering an environment where women excel and lead across all fields.
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The Inauguration of Param Pragya: A Leap Towards AI Supremacy
The inauguration of the Param Pragya AI supercomputing facility marks a pivotal moment in India’s quest for technological self-reliance and leadership in artificial intelligence. This advanced infrastructure at IIT Delhi’s Sonipat campus is expected to significantly accelerate research and development in AI, enabling scientists and researchers to tackle complex problems with enhanced computational power. Param Pragya’s capabilities will be instrumental in driving innovation across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, climate science, and national security.
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The establishment of such a cutting-edge facility underscores the government’s commitment to investing in high-performance computing and AI, recognizing their transformative potential for national development. It signals a strategic move to empower Indian researchers with the tools necessary to compete on the global stage and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries. The facility is poised to become a hub for AI research, attracting talent and fostering collaboration, thereby accelerating India’s journey towards becoming an AI superpower.
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A Legacy of Responsibility: Contributing to a Developed India
Prime Minister Modi also eloquently articulated the responsibility that rests upon the shoulders of each graduating generation. Drawing parallels with the sacrifices made during India’s freedom struggle, he urged the young scholars to actively contribute to the nation’s ongoing journey towards becoming a developed country by 2047. He implored them to consider how their future endeavors could address India’s unique challenges and contribute to its growth trajectory. "The choices they make over the next 30 to 35 years could influence the country’s development," he stated, emphasizing the profound impact of their individual contributions on the collective progress of the nation.
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This call to national service resonated with the spirit of empowerment and collective responsibility, encouraging the graduates to channel their knowledge and skills towards nation-building. It highlighted the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, a comprehensive roadmap for India’s development, and positioned the youth as the primary architects of this ambitious future.
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Glimpses into the Future: Diverse Paths, Shared Excitement
In a lighter vein, Prime Minister Modi engaged with the graduating students by acknowledging the diverse thoughts and aspirations that likely filled their minds on this significant day. He envisioned scenarios ranging from anticipating the first salary, planning a move to a new city, embarking on entrepreneurial ventures, to preparing for further competitive examinations. This empathetic observation underscored his understanding of the multifaceted transitions that graduates experience. He reassured them that regardless of their chosen path, the beginning of a new chapter in life is a universally exciting prospect, fostering a sense of shared anticipation and optimism for their futures.
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Education Minister Highlights Transformative Growth in Higher Education
Union Education Minister Prahlad Joshi, also present at the convocation, lauded Prime Minister Modi’s vision for an education system that is learner-centric, research-oriented, and future-ready. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in his first public program at an educational institution with the Prime Minister since assuming his portfolio.
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Minister Joshi presented a compelling overview of the significant expansion and enhancement of India’s higher education sector since 2014. He highlighted that over 4.5 crore students are currently enrolled in higher education, a testament to the growing accessibility and appeal of academic pursuits. The number of universities has seen a remarkable increase of nearly 70%, indicating a robust expansion of educational infrastructure. Furthermore, he enumerated the establishment of numerous new institutions, including over 650 universities, 14,000 colleges, more than 4,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), nine Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), seven IITs, and 13 All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), underscoring the government’s sustained efforts to bolster educational opportunities across the country.
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This substantial growth, as articulated by Minister Joshi, reflects a strategic commitment to empowering India’s youth and equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the 21st century and contribute to the nation’s progress. The increased number of institutions and student enrollment signifies a democratized access to quality education, fostering a more skilled and capable workforce for the future.
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The 57th convocation of IIT Delhi, with Prime Minister Modi’s inspiring address and the inauguration of advanced technological infrastructure, served as a powerful affirmation of India’s commitment to innovation, education, and national development. The graduating students are not just recipients of degrees but are poised to become catalysts for change, armed with knowledge, a spirit of inquiry, and a profound sense of responsibility towards their nation.
