New Delhi, August 8, 2026 – 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 batch as they embark on their professional journeys. During his address, the Prime Minister not only lauded the achievements of the students but also inaugurated the state-of-the-art Param Pragya AI supercomputing facility at the institute’s Sonipat campus. His message to the bright young minds was clear: embrace continuous learning and become architects of India’s future development.
The convocation, held in person after a virtual attendance during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, held special significance for Prime Minister Modi. "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 return to normalcy and the palpable energy of the occasion.
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A Moment of Pride and Encouragement
Prime Minister Modi extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduating students, acknowledging the immense pride their families must be feeling. "Just as your families are feeling proud today, I, too, am proud of all of you," he stated, underscoring the collective sense of accomplishment. He personally presented prestigious honours, including the President’s Gold Medal, Director’s Gold Medal, Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal, and Perfect Ten Gold Medals, to meritorious students, recognizing their exceptional academic prowess and dedication.
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However, his address also included a nuanced observation regarding the representation of women among the medal recipients. While congratulating all awardees, he expressed a desire for greater female participation. "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 among them… Actual situation, you know!" he commented, subtly pointing towards the ongoing need to encourage and support women in STEM fields. This observation, while gently phrased, underscored a national aspiration for greater gender parity in higher education and beyond.
The Imperative of Lifelong Learning in a Dynamic World
The Prime Minister’s address was deeply rooted in the rapidly evolving global landscape. He cautioned the graduates that they were entering a professional world characterized by swift transformations in technology, industries, and geopolitical dynamics. In such an environment, adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning are paramount.
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"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," Prime Minister Modi declared, encapsulating a timeless truth in a concise and powerful message. He emphasized that the ability to acquire new knowledge, skills, and perspectives would be the most crucial determinant of success in the coming decades. This sentiment resonated with the ethos of an institution like IIT Delhi, which is at the forefront of innovation and research.
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Contributing to India’s Viksit Bharat Vision
Beyond individual success, Prime Minister Modi urged the graduates to consider their role in shaping India’s future. He drew a parallel to the sacrifices made during India’s freedom struggle, emphasizing the responsibility of each generation to contribute to the nation’s progress. "You have the opportunity to contribute to India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation," he stated, challenging them to leverage their education and talents for the greater good.
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He encouraged them to reflect on how their future endeavors could address India’s specific needs and challenges. The next 30 to 35 years, he noted, would be critical in determining the trajectory of the country’s development, and the choices made by this cohort would have a profound impact. This call to action aimed to instill a sense of national purpose and encourage entrepreneurial thinking geared towards nation-building.
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Inauguration of Param Pragya: Powering India’s AI Ambitions
A significant highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Param Pragya AI supercomputing facility. This advanced infrastructure, located at IIT Delhi’s Sonipat campus, is poised to significantly bolster India’s capabilities in artificial intelligence research and development. Supercomputing power is crucial for complex simulations, data analysis, and the development of sophisticated AI algorithms, placing India at the cutting edge of technological advancement.
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The establishment of Param Pragya signifies a substantial investment in India’s digital infrastructure and its ambition to become a global leader in AI. This facility will undoubtedly empower researchers and innovators to tackle grand challenges in areas such as healthcare, climate change, advanced manufacturing, and more, driving scientific breakthroughs and economic growth.
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A Glimpse into the Graduates’ Aspirations
In a lighter vein, Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the diverse thoughts and aspirations swirling through the minds of the graduating students on their momentous day. He envisioned a spectrum of future paths, from receiving their first salary and moving to new cities to embarking on entrepreneurial ventures or pursuing further academic challenges. "Every student will follow a different path, but the beginning of a new phase of life is equally exciting for all," he observed, capturing the shared sense of anticipation and possibility. This acknowledgment underscored his understanding of the individual journeys that would unfold from this collective milestone.
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Education Minister Highlights Sectoral Growth and Vision
Union Education Minister Prahlad Joshi also addressed the convocation, extending his congratulations and commending the institute’s contributions. He lauded Prime Minister Modi’s vision for education, stating, "PM Modi’s vision has helped create a more learner-focused, research-oriented and future-ready education system." He expressed his personal fulfillment at participating in his first public program in an educational institution with the Prime Minister after taking additional charge as Education Minister.
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Minister Joshi underscored the significant strides made in India’s higher education sector since 2014, aligning with the Prime Minister’s emphasis on youth empowerment and national development. He provided compelling data points to illustrate this growth:
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- Enrollment Surge: Over 4.5 crore students are currently enrolled in higher education, indicating a substantial expansion of access.
- Institutional Expansion: The number of universities has increased by nearly 70%, reflecting a concerted effort to broaden the educational landscape.
- New Institutions: Since 2014, India has established over 650 universities, 14,000 colleges, more than 4,000 ITIs, nine IIMs, seven new IITs, and 13 new AIIMS.
These statistics paint a picture of a robust and expanding higher education ecosystem, geared towards meeting the aspirations of a growing youth population and contributing to the nation’s development goals. Minister Joshi reiterated that the Prime Minister consistently places faith in the potential of India’s youth, viewing them as pivotal to realizing the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.
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Supporting Data and Chronology
- August 8, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the 57th Convocation of IIT Delhi.
- Event Highlights:
- Congratulated graduating students and presented medals to meritorious performers.
- Inaugurated the Param Pragya AI supercomputing facility at IIT Delhi’s Sonipat campus.
- Delivered a keynote address emphasizing lifelong learning and national development.
- Union Education Minister Prahlad Joshi also addressed the gathering, highlighting growth in the higher education sector.
- Param Pragya AI Supercomputing Facility: This advanced infrastructure is expected to significantly enhance India’s capabilities in Artificial Intelligence research, development, and application across various sectors.
- Growth in Higher Education (since 2014, as cited by Education Minister):
- Enrollment: Over 4.5 crore students.
- University increase: Nearly 70%.
- New institutions established: 650+ universities, 14,000+ colleges, 4,000+ ITIs, 9 IIMs, 7 IITs, 13 AIIMS.
Official Responses and Broader Implications
The participation of Prime Minister Modi and the Union Education Minister at the IIT Delhi convocation underscores the government’s high priority on education and technological advancement. The inauguration of the Param Pragya facility, in particular, signals a strategic commitment to bolstering India’s AI prowess. This aligns with the national agenda of leveraging technology for economic growth, societal development, and global competitiveness.
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The Prime Minister’s emphasis on lifelong learning and the responsibility of the youth to contribute to nation-building has far-reaching implications. It serves as a call to action for graduates to not only excel in their chosen fields but also to engage actively in addressing India’s unique challenges and opportunities. The message is clear: the future of India is intrinsically linked to the continuous intellectual and professional growth of its young minds.
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The observation regarding women’s representation, while subtle, highlights a persistent societal and institutional goal. Efforts to encourage greater participation and success of women in STEM fields are crucial for achieving equitable development and harnessing the full potential of the nation’s talent pool.
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In essence, the 57th IIT Delhi convocation was more than just a ceremony; it was a platform for setting aspirations, inaugurating future-forward infrastructure, and charting a course for the nation’s development, driven by an educated and empowered generation. The legacy of this day will be measured not just by the degrees conferred, but by the impact these graduates, armed with knowledge and a spirit of continuous learning, will make on India’s trajectory.
