Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow
Lucknow, Aug 29: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday called upon students to contribute to the building of a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, while stressing the importance of constitutional methods in bringing about social transformation and challenging injustice.
Addressing students at the convocation ceremony of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Lucknow, Rajnath Singh said Dr BR Ambedkar's mantra of 'Educate, Agitate and Organise' meant acquiring knowledge, questioning injustice through constitutional means rather than violence, and uniting to bring about change through democratic methods.
He said Dr Ambedkar had clearly stated in his final speech to the Constituent Assembly that social and economic objectives must be pursued through constitutional means.
Ambedkar had warned that when democratic and constitutional avenues are available, resorting to violence, anarchy or unconstitutional methods cannot be justified, Singh said, describing such practices as a "grammar of anarchy" that must be abandoned.
The Defence Minister said the world is changing rapidly, with new technologies and innovations creating fresh opportunities, and urged students to embrace continuous learning and adaptability.
Those who continuously learn and acquire new skills will be best equipped to progress in a rapidly changing world, he said.
Singh said universities should focus on nurturing young minds inspired by the ideals of justice, equality, liberty and fraternity so that they can contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
Highlighting the importance of holistic education, he said true education develops the ability to think and understand while also strengthening practical and problem-solving skills.
Underscoring the importance of collective effort in nation-building, Singh said individual efforts can contribute to progress, but a united resolve can accelerate development manifold.
He called upon students to work as part of 'Team India' and contribute towards the shared goal of building a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.
Highlighting progress in India's education, research and innovation ecosystem over the past 12 years, Singh said expenditure on research and development has doubled, while the National Education Policy was introduced after a gap of 34 years.
He said Indian youth are excelling in international Olympiads, launching start-ups, building unicorns and developing advanced technologies.
India is increasingly emerging as a global innovation powerhouse, he said, noting the country's rise in the Global Innovation Index and its emergence as the world's third-largest start-up ecosystem.
Singh assured that the government would continue to build an ecosystem where young people can explore, innovate, experiment, create and develop solutions for a better society.