‘Don’t be a conformist’: Modi tells students at Mysore University convocation

Modi was virtually addressing students at the centenary convocation of UoM

modi-uom-con-ss Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses students during the convocation

“Don’t try to fit yourself into a box; venture out, experience life and choose your path wisely. For New India is a land of opportunities,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi told students in a virtual address at the centenary convocation of the University of Mysore on Monday. 

PM Modi recalled the contributions of stalwarts such as Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishna and Gorur Ramaswamy Iyengar, calling them inspirations for students to pursue excellence through education.

“We are striving to make India a global hub for higher education, and our youth competitive. University of Mysore is a perfect combination of the traditional Indian system of education and the aspirations of a New India as it has realised the vision of Rajarishi Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and Sir M. Viveswariah,” he added.

The prime minister also remembered late Kuvempu, one of the most illustrious vice-chancellors of the varsity, and said that he had aptly named it “Manasa Gangotri”.

He further highlighted the importance of education, and the need for skilling, re-skilling and upskilling, and how the new National Education Policy facilitates it.

Shiksha (education) and Deeksha (initiation) are important phases of student life. From a formal university campus, you will be entering a vast open campus. There is a need for a multidimensional approach, to help students to adapt to changing nature of jobs. There is a need for skilling, re-skilling and upskilling. The National Education Policy facilitates this. I am happy that the UoM has shown its commitment to pursue these goals,” Modi said. 

“NEP will make Indian youth more competitive,” he added, pointing out that post-2014, seven new IIMs had been set up (including one in Dharwad) and 15 new AIIMS were either established or were in the process of establishment. The number of IITs had increased from nine to 16 and the national medical education commission was formed to bring transparency and also increase the number of medical seats.

The prime minister further said that giving a boost to the higher education sector is not just about opening new institutions.

“We have brought reforms to governance to ensure gender and social participation and given autonomy to higher education institutions,” Modi said.

“Today’s India is changing fast. More girls are acquiring degrees than boys. Also, the gross enrolment ratio of girl students is more than that of boys. Even in higher education, the participation of women has increased. The enrolment of girls in IITs has increased from 8 per cent to 20 per cent,” Modi said, observing that the gender gap in higher education is seeing a decline.

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