Kanpur, Dec 28 (FN Agency) The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have the talent to make Indian companies and products become global brands, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday, as he urged students to opt for challenges instead of searching shortcuts for success in life. “Who would not want Indian companies to become global, India’s products to become global,” asked the Prime Minister, addressing the 54th convocation ceremony of IIT Kanpur. “One who knows the IITs knows the talent here, knows the hard work of the professors here, believes that the youth of IITs will definitely do it,” he added. Modi detailed the technological leaps the country has made since he became the Prime Minister in 2014. “In the last seven years, schemes such as Start-Up India and Stand-Up India have been started. The country is paving a new road for the youth with initiatives such as Atal Innovation Mission and PM Research Scholarship,” he said.
“With the new Education Policy, we’re developing the next generation with futuristic temperament. Ease of Doing Business has been improved and policy blockages have been removed. The results are here for all of us to see. “In this 75th year of independence, we have more than 75 unicorns, more than 50,000 startups. Out of these, 10,000 startups have come only in the last six months,” Modi said. “Today India has emerged as the second largest startup hub in the world.” Modi said: “If we will not be self-reliant, then how will our country fulfill its goals, how will it reach its destination? You can do it, I trust you.” He said a self-reliant India was necessary for “complete freedom, where we will not be dependent on anyone”. “After getting the degrees you all will start a fresh journey in your lives. In this journey, starting from today, many people will suggest shortcuts for convenience. But my suggestion will be between ‘comfort’ and ‘challenge’, always opt for ‘challenge’.” He advised the students that whether they like it or not, challenges are bound to come in life.
Those who try to run away from them become victims of the challenges. Earlier, Modi distributed online degrees to 1,723 students of different trades. On his arrival on a one-day visit to Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed him. The Director of IIT Kanpur, Abahy Karandikar, presented a memento to the Prime Minister, who was the chief guest at the convocation ceremony. Modi presented honorary degrees to scientist Prof Rohini M Godbole, Infosys co-founder Senapathy Kris Gopalakrishnan and classical singer Padmashree Pandit Ajay Chakraborty. The Prime Minister, in his speech, called upon the students not to suppress their ardour to know more about human emotions. “Develop Artificial Intelligence but don’t lose contact with Human Intelligence, continue coding but do not lose the human touch.” He added: “This 21st century is completely technology driven. Even in this decade, technology is going to increase its dominance in different fields. This is the age of competition of life and technology. I am sure you will definitely come out ahead in this.”