Set up companies for a self-reliant India: Rajnath Singh

Manipal, Nov 18, 2022: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has called upon the youth to innovate, develop new technologies and set up companies, research establishments & start-ups in the country to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a strong and self-reliant ‘New India’.

Addressing the convocation ceremony of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in Udupi, Karnataka today, Rajnath Singh stated that the world is acknowledging the power of the country’s young ignited minds, with major companies such as Google, Microsoft, Adobe and IBM hiring Indians at respectable positions. 

“If Indians can help major firms grow across the globe, why can’t we set up top companies here?” the Raksha Mantri asked around 5,000 students in attendance, urging them to introspect and bring a transformative change in the country. He credited the growing prowess of the Indian start-up ecosystem to the capabilities, talents and ignited minds of the youth. “Earlier, there was no start-up ecosystem in the country. Before 2014, there were only around 400-500 start-ups. Today, the number has crossed 70,000. Of these, over 100 have become unicorns,” he said. 

Rajnath Singh exhorted the students to focus on gaining wisdom more than just acquiring knowledge from books. “Obtaining knowledge from books isn’t enough. Wisdom ensures optimum use of that knowledge, which is crucial to take the country to greater heights. It frees from limitations such as incapacity, poverty, unemployment and backwardness. It widens the scope of thinking and sensibilities. It helps a person rise above selfish interests and work for social, national and global welfare,” he said. 

The Raksha Mantri also urged the students to get acquainted with the rich cultural traditions of the country and strive to restore its glorious past. “India was a pioneer in many fields such as science, economics, history, political science and public administration. It slowly lost its glory due to foreign invasions. We must restore our past glory, for which economic progress is central,” he said. 

Describing the present era as knowledge-intensive and constantly-evolving, Rajnath Singh called for upgrading the quality and quantity of human capital, pivotal for the development of a country. Technological capabilities and innovative flair of the citizens is the most decisive factor in taking a nation forward, he said, stressing that the Government is providing proper educational and employment opportunities to the youth. 

On the National Education Policy 2020, the Raksha Mantri stated that the objective is to shape the young generation as global citizens through traditional and modern knowledge. “Youth is our most valuable asset and engine of growth. Our youth army will play an important role in achieving the target of $5 trillion economy by 2025. According to a report by US banking group Morgan Stanley, India is set to become the world’s third-largest economy in the next 5-6 years. This emerging power of India has been termed as ‘once-in-a-generation shift’. This is just the beginning. I am confident that India will become the largest economy by 2047,” he said. 

Shedding more light on India’s transformed global image under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajnath Singh stated that New Delhi is now listened to with attention and seriousness on international platforms. “India has led the world on issues like terrorism and has been successful in garnering support to root out the menace. The countries, which use terrorism as a tool, are now well aware of India’s capabilities. India does not provoke any country, nor does it spare anyone who tries to harm its unity and integrity,” he said.   

The Raksha Mantri lauded Manipal Group of Educational Institutions for their contribution to education and research. He congratulated the graduating students, encouraging them to move forward despite hurdles to create a better future. He extended special congratulations to the girl students, exuding confidence that they will be the pillars of a strong and prosperous ‘New India’. 

Rajnath Singh also inaugurated the new building for Manipal School of Architecture and Planning (MSAP) during the visit to MAHE, Manipal. With all modern technology and state of the art facilities, MSAP is totally a GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) compliant energy-efficient Campus

Students were feted for their achievements amidst a host of university dignitaries at KMC Greens, including, Pro-Chancellor Dr H.S. Ballal, Dr Ranjan R Pai, President, MAHE Trust & Chairman Manipal Education & Medial Group(MEMG), Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor, Dr Venkatraya Prabhu, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dr Dilip G Naik, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dr Pragna Rao, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Dr Narayana Sabhahit, Registrar and Dr Vinod V Thomas, Registrar, Evaluation.

The gold medal winners facilitated on day one were Himanshu (Kasturba Medical College, Manipal), Vinita Rosa Monis (Manipal College of Nursing), Satish Nayak (Manipal School of Information Sciences), Shah Diya Hemantkumar (Manipal Institute of Technology), and Aahana Bhambhani (Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration).

Speaking at the occasion, Lt Gen (Dr) Madhuri Kanitkar, Vice Chancellor of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik, said that the pandemic has challenged teachers and students with physical limitations, changing the very fundamentals of learning.

“It has taught us resilience, and students have adapted and learnt beyond their books. Graduates are now ready to face a future built on sectors we’re discovering in response to the pandemic’s outcomes and the planet’s other concerns. Students with a positive mindset, a qualified skillset, and a curious attitude will succeed, while educators must focus on aligning education to the needs of society,” he said.

“The past few years have been especially difficult, but arriving at this occasion is a testament to our students’ grit and spirit. Our graduates truly deserve this moment—they have been exceptional alongside our teaching staff and college administrators. We’re excited to see how they will apply their learnings and impact society and beyond,” Dr HS Ballal, Pro-Chancellor of MAHE, said.

Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said that it is a moment of immense pride to celebrate graduates’ accomplishments and acknowledge them as they set out to change the world through their dreams, verve, and expertise.

“We cherish the fact that we’ve been able to mentor and work with this fine group of individuals and watching their development at close quarters has been hugely satisfying and gives us the belief that the future is in good hands,” he added.

Registrar Dr Narayana Sabhahit delivered the vote of thanks.