Daijiworld Media Network - Nagpur
Nagpur, Mar 16: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has emphasized the crucial need for education within the Muslim community while condemning caste-based politics.
Speaking at the convocation ceremony of the Central India Group of Institutions in Nagpur, Gadkari stressed that education is the driving force behind societal progress.
"In our society, the community that needs education the most is the Muslim community," he stated, highlighting that limited career choices have confined many to running tea stalls, paan shops, scrap dealing, truck driving, and cleaning.
"If people from our society become engineers, doctors, IAS, and IPS officers, our society will progress. Praying in the mosque a hundred times won't shape the future—only science and technology can," he remarked.
Drawing inspiration from former President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, Gadkari said, "A person is not great by caste, religion, or language, but by their qualities. Discrimination on any of these grounds is unacceptable."
Firmly opposing caste-based politics, Gadkari asserted that he refuses to bow to caste leaders for votes.
"I have no interest in caste-based politics. I once told a gathering of 50,000 people, ‘Jo karega jaat ki baat, uske kass ke maarunga laat’ (I will kick hard anyone who talks about caste)," he recalled.
Highlighting the transformative power of education, Gadkari said, "Education is not just for personal growth but for the progress of society and the nation. Knowledge is power, and gaining it should be your mission."
His remarks come at a time when caste and religion continue to dominate political discourse, reiterating his stand on merit-based progress.