Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that India is at the forefront in many sectors and is converting obstacles into opportunities.
Listing out the growth in industrial sectors despite the pandemic, Prime Minister Modi said, “India became second largest mobile phone manufacturer. Innovation has become a way of life. In the last six years, the number of recognised startups increased by 15,000%. Last year India received a record FDI of 83 billion dollars. Our start-ups too received record funding post-pandemic.”
Addressing the 42nd Convocation of Anna University in Chennai, PM Modi said that in just the past 6 years, the number of recognised start-ups has increased by 15%. Every sector in India is bustling with a new life. Industry, investment, innovation or international trade, all are seeing India at the forefront, he said.
“Above all this, India’s position in the international trade dynamics is at its best ever. India is becoming a vital link in the global supply chain and we have the chance to make the greatest as we are converting obstacles into opportunity,” said the PM.
He further said that the whole world is looking at India’s youth with hope as they are the growth engines of the country as well as the world. “The whole world is looking at India’s youth with hope. Because you are the growth engine of the country and India is the world’s growth engine. This is a huge honour and responsibility on all of you,” said the Prime Minister.
PM Modi said, “Your growth is India’s growth, your learning is India’s growth. Your victory is India’s victory.” PM Modi also talked about three important factors in this era of tech-led disruptions.
“In this era of tech-led disruptions, there are 3 important factors – 1. Test for Technology – as there is a growing sense of acceptance for technology, even at the grassroots level. 2. Trust in Risk Takers – entrepreneurs are now being looked at with new respect. This is helping in creating opportunities. 3. Temperament for Reforms – a strong Government that is not restrictive but responsive, making space for people’s talents,” he said at the convocation.
He said that the reforms in the infrastructure sector through GatiShakti Masterplan are creating world-class infrastructure through speed and scale.
He called on teachers and other staff members and said that they are nation-builders, who are creating the leaders of tomorrow.
“The new National Educational Policy ensures greater freedom for the youth to take decisions on basis of changing situations. Today is not only a day of achievement but also of aspirations. I wish that all the dreams of our youth come true. To teachers and other staff members, you are nation-builders, who are creating the leaders of tomorrow,” said PM at Anna University.
“The Covid pandemic was an unprecedented, once-in-a-century crisis that nobody had a user manual for. Adversities reveal what we are made of. India faced the unknown confidently, thanks to our scientists, health workers and the common man,” he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that reforms in drones, space and geospatial sectors are opening up new avenues.
“Removal of angel tax, removal of retrospective tax, and reduction of corporate tax – are encouraging investments and industry. The reforms in drones, space and geospatial sectors are opening up new avenues”, he said. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister congratulated the students on getting their degrees. “Congratulations to all those who are graduating today in Anna University’s 42nd convocation. You would have already built a future for yourselves in your minds. Therefore, today is not only a day of achievements but also of aspirations”, he said.
Calling them the leaders of tomorrow, the Prime Minister also noted the sacrifices of the parents and support of teachers and non-teaching staff of the University.
The Prime Minister recalled the words of Swami Vivekananda in what was known as Madras 125 years ago about the possibilities for the youth of India.
The Prime Minister remarked that “the whole world is looking at India’s youth with hope. Because you are the growth engines of the country and India is the world’s growth engine.”
The Prime Minister also recalled former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s association with Anna University. “May his thoughts and values always inspire you”, said the Prime Minister.
He gave examples of freedom and flexibility provided to youth by the National Education Policy and the scrapping of 25,000 compliances for ease of business.
The Prime Minister underlined the link between the progress of youth and the nation. He said in conclusion “Your growth is India’s growth. Your learnings are India’s learnings. Your victory is India’s victory.”
During the programme, the Prime Minister awarded gold medals and certificates to 69 gold medalists.
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, Chief Minister MK Stalin, and Union Minister L Murugan were among those present on the occasion.