NEW DELHI, AUG 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged graduates of IIT Delhi to move beyond merely raising questions and develop the courage, determination and capability to find practical solutions to the challenges facing society.
Addressing the 57th Convocation Ceremony of IIT Delhi, Modi said curiosity, continuous learning, innovation and problem-solving skills would be crucial for young people navigating a rapidly changing technological and global environment.
He encouraged students to question ideas, systems and practices that are accepted without adequate thought, but stressed that questioning must ultimately lead to solutions and constructive action.
The Prime Minister said challenges should not be viewed only as obstacles, as they can also create opportunities for innovation, growth and new approaches.
‘CONTINUOUS LEARNING IS KEY TO SUCCESS’
Modi called upon the graduates to preserve their curiosity and develop a lifelong learning mindset.
He said those who continuously acquire knowledge, upgrade their skills and adapt to changing circumstances would be better equipped to succeed in an evolving world.
“The one who continuously learns is the one who will win,” Modi said, underlining the rapid pace of technological, industrial and global transformation.
EMPOWERED YOUTH CRUCIAL FOR INDIA’S PROGRESS
The Prime Minister said an empowered, skilled and capable youth population would make a significant contribution towards building a stronger India.
He highlighted the country’s efforts towards self-reliance in economic, technological and industrial sectors, describing them as important foundations for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Congratulating the graduating students and their families, Modi said an IIT degree is not merely an academic qualification, but also an opportunity and responsibility to contribute to the nation.
He said the graduates were entering a new phase of life with dreams, ambitions and the potential to create meaningful change in society.
‘LIFE’S CHALLENGES WILL BE OUT OF SYLLABUS’
Addressing the graduates, Modi said that unlike university examinations, life does not provide questions from a fixed syllabus.
He advised students to tackle complex challenges by breaking larger problems into smaller, manageable parts and addressing them systematically.
The Prime Minister said difficulties were inevitable, but opportunities could emerge alongside them when people remained alert, adaptable and willing to take action.
He also noted that several successful IIT alumni had achieved distinction by identifying and addressing problems that society had gradually stopped questioning.
IIT DEGREE MORE THAN CGPA AND PLACEMENT PACKAGE
Modi said the real value of an IIT education should not be measured only through CGPA, academic scores or placement packages.
He said the true strength of an IIT education lies in developing the ability to understand complex problems, find effective solutions and apply knowledge for the larger good.
The Prime Minister encouraged graduates to use their technical expertise, education and innovative abilities to address societal challenges and contribute to national development.
STARTUPS, DIGITAL REVOLUTION OPENING NEW OPPORTUNITIES
The Prime Minister highlighted India’s growing startup ecosystem, digital payments, unicorns and FinTech sector, saying these developments had created new opportunities for millions of young Indians.
He said India’s technological and entrepreneurial transformation was enabling young people to innovate, establish enterprises and turn ideas into reality.
Modi said several opportunities that were difficult to imagine in the past were now becoming accessible because of the country’s expanding digital and technological ecosystem.
PM CALLS FOR GREATER PARTICIPATION OF GIRLS
The Prime Minister also stressed the need for greater participation of women in academic, technological and professional achievements.
While congratulating the medal winners, he expressed hope that more female students would feature among the top awardees at future convocations.
He said young women must have an equal and prominent role in India’s academic, technological and entrepreneurial progress.
OVER 3,000 STUDENTS AWARDED DEGREES
More than 3,000 students, including 587 PhD scholars, were awarded degrees during the convocation ceremony.
The Prime Minister also 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.
Modi advised graduates not to measure their success by comparing their salaries, placement packages, startup achievements or professional milestones with those of their peers.
Instead, he urged them to focus on personal growth, physical well-being and mental health.
“Life is not a leaderboard; your real race is with yourself,” the Prime Minister said.
He encouraged the graduates to cherish their experiences at IIT Delhi as they begin a new chapter in their lives, while reminding them that their education carries a larger responsibility towards society and the nation.(KNC)
