Addressing students on October 11 during the golden jubilee celebrations of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya in Chennai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the current era belongs to the youth as the international community actively seeks fresh and innovative approaches to solve pressing global challenges. He emphasized that young minds possess the exact capabilities required to devise these solutions, underscoring that their role in shaping the coming decades will be decisive.
The event placed strong focus on youth empowerment, national cohesion, and the enduring insights embedded within Tamil cultural heritage. Speaking to the assembled students, the Prime Minister noted that the future trajectory of the nation is distinctly visible in their aspirations and determination.
Revering Tamil Heritage and the Global Reach of Tirukkural
During his address, the Prime Minister spoke with deep reverence about the richness of the Tamil language and its cultural legacy. He drew special attention to the ancient classic Tirukkural, describing it as an extraordinary philosophical guide for leading an ethical and purposeful life. Reflecting on India's diplomatic and cultural outreach, he recalled the memorable occasion when he had the privilege of presenting a copy of this celebrated text to Russian President Vladimir Putin, illustrating how classical Indian thought commands global respect.
Building a Developed Nation on an Expansive Canvas
Linking the aspirations of students to the broader objective of national progress, the Prime Minister highlighted how today's youth are eager to serve as the principal driving force behind the vision of a developed India. He urged young individuals to envision their professional and personal journeys across an expansive canvas rather than within narrow boundaries. The novel ideas and creative solutions that emerge from this generation, he pointed out, will define not only India's path forward but also the shared destiny of the global community.
Institutional Milestones and a Remarkable Student Contribution
Commending the Vishwa Hindu Vidya Kendra on reaching its 50-year milestone, the Prime Minister paid homage to the foundational role played by Jaigopal Garodia in supporting the construction of the school premises. He also extended his greetings to the teachers, administrative staff, parents, and alumni whose sustained dedication fostered the institution's growth over the decades.
He cited the school as an exemplary model for combining academic instruction with civic duty and patriotic values. Recalling an episode previously highlighted in his radio broadcast, he detailed how a simple concept initiated by Girija Amma mobilized collective action. Under this initiative, students were encouraged to set aside just one rupee every day as a contribution to the nation's armed forces. As thousands of young students joined the pledge, the effort eventually accumulated approximately 40 lakh rupees, providing an inspiring demonstration of institutional values translating into tangible social solidarity.
Decade of Transformation in Higher Education Infrastructure
The Prime Minister also highlighted the structural transformation witnessed across India's higher education landscape over the past decade, placing specific emphasis on institutional expansion across the country.
- Expansion of Universities: The total number of universities across India stood at around 750 in 2014, which has now increased to more than 1,300 institutions.
- Growth in College Network: The network of colleges nationwide has expanded from approximately 38,000 to over 52,000 institutions.
- Addition of Premier Institutes: The national academic framework has seen the addition of numerous Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management, Indian Institutes of Information Technology, and All India Institutes of Medical Sciences.
Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister expressed firm confidence that the continuous enlargement of academic opportunities provides students with the requisite foundation to translate their aspirations into reality and steer the nation toward long-term development.
