Quote"Shri Modi addresses International Conference for Academic Institutions 2013 in Gandhinagar. Conference part of 2013 Vibrant Gujarat Summit "
Quote"It is heartening to see that in its 2nd edition the ICAI has grown so big. 135 universities, institutions from 56 nations and 60 universities, institutions from 14 states are here today: Shri Modi "
Quote"21st century is the century of knowledge and every week there unfolds new developments in education and research. Emergence of knowledge society has become a reality: CM"
Quote"Before 2500 years ago India had a sophisticated system of higher education. Nalanda, Taxila trained students in various fields. Nalanda University drew scholars from China, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Turkey: Shri Modi "
Quote"True knowledge society ought to have competent people who can innovate and create new concepts: Shri Modi "
Quote"Several MoUs signed in august present of CM. CM greets signatories after signing of MoUs"
Quote"I have a dream. I dream of a society that is continuously in knowledge and where each individual is a part of the creation of knowledge. I dream of a society where youngsters can do courses of their choice where technology is used but the importance of the Guru is retained: CM "

 

On the morning of Wednesday 9th January 2013 Shri Narendra Modi addressed the International Conference for Academic Institutions in Gandhinagar. The Conference is a part of the 2013 Vibrant Gujarat Summit. The meet was attended by large number of universities from across the world. In an elaborate speech Shri Modi spoke about the importance of knowledge creation and shared that if there is an event that is of most importance to him during the 2013 Vibrant Gujarat Summit, it is this!

Expressing joy at the start of the Conference Shri Modi pointed out, “Its heartening to see that in its 2nd edition the ICAI has grown so big. 135 universities, institutions from 56 nations and 60 universities, institutions from 14 states are here today.” The Chief Minister pointed out that the 21st century is the century of knowledge and every week there unfolds new developments in education and research. “Emergence of knowledge society has become a reality,” he affirmed.

The event witnessed the presence of several acclaimed academicians from all over the world such as Prof. Antony D'Emanuele from University of Central Lancashire, Dr Andrew McCusker from University of Wollongong and Prof. Antonio Albano from Università di Pisa. The participation of eminent American Universities was also seen. Some of the American representatives were Dr. Renu Khator, Chancellor and President of University of Houston, Dr. Ade Mobogunje from Stanford University and Dr. Dipti Pitta from the University of Pennsylvania.  The complete list of speakers and participants can be found here.

The Chief Minister pointed out that earlier the information revolution and digital reach were limited to a certain segment of society due to which a digital divide was built. He stressed on the fact that if knowledge is co-created and co-authored it will be available to the entire humanity to be used and developed. “When the information age transforms into a knowledge, we can reap the benefits,” he stated.

Shri Modi further stated that the themes for this august conference are internationalization, research and skill development. Talking about the rich history of this land in higher education the Chief Minister said, “Before 2500 years ago India had a sophisticated system of higher education. Nalanda, Taxila trained students in various fields. Nalanda University drew scholars from China, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Turkey.”

He pointed that a true knowledge society ought to have competent people who can innovate and create new concepts. Talking about the initiatives of the Gujarat Government Shri Modi shared that Gujarat is the first state to launch an Innovation Commission and the state also launched iCreate. Shri Modi declared that the focus is not on degrees but on employability and skill development. He further shared that the Government is working closely with industry on this issue. He talked about programmes like SCOPE and eMPOWER that train youth in soft skills and IT.

Shri Modi gave emphasis on individuals and institutions establishing collaboration and cooperation. “Can we establish bonds and linkages that endure?” he asked. Shri Modi affirmed, “I have a dream. I dream of a society that is continuously in knowledge and where each individual is a part of the creation of knowledge. I dream of a society where youngsters can do courses of their choice where technology is is used but the importance of the Guru is retained,” and added, “The process of forming such a society has begun through this conference.”

He informed the dignitaries that the state Government had taken up this initiative with a conviction that it would deliver the desired results. He declared, “In Gujarat if when we take up something there are no half measures. We take it up when we are sure of its completion.” Shri Modi said that few people understand the true meaning of the Vibrant Gujarat functions. “That a small state, that was till 15 days ago in the model code of conduct, can hold such a successful event in terms of quality in such less time is a big thing,” he pointed out.

During his speech the Chief Minister stressed on the importance of youth power. He shared, “India is the most youthful nation in the world. It is said that by 2020 the average age of the nation will be 29-30. All our initiatives must be made keeping the youth at the Centre.” He opined that by 2020 the world would need workforce for which they will have to rely on other nations.  “We can supply skilled workforce. This decade is for us to prepare ourselves with knowledge, skill and culture.” He said that conferences such as this are to create a new history and give the youth the best in terms of opportunities. The Chief Minister stated that knowledge has been given great importance in the exhibitions as well and he asked people to visit the exhibitions.

Earlier, a large number of MoUs were signed in the august present of the Chief Minister and the signatories met Shri Modi.

Speaking on the occasion Principal Secretary (Higher Education) Shri Hasmukh Adhia gave details about the conference. Ms. Judith Wolfson of the University of Toronto extended her best wishes for the conference and pointed that such events create forums for discussion and best practices.

Renowned industrialist Shri Sanjay Lalbhai said that such a conclave has not been held anywhere in the country. He congratulated Shri Modi and his team and added that the developed saga of Gujarat in the last 10 years has touched every sector be it agriculture, industry and services. He lauded the Government for the visionary zeal and envisioning a future based on knowledge.

Mr. Toby Linden of the World Bank stated that it is a privilege for the World Bank to be represented here and be a partner organization for this event. Shri Vineet Mittal of Welspun congratulated Shri Modi for this record victory in the Gujarat Elections and praised the strides of development in Gujarat. Shri Rajiv Modi of Cadila Pharmaceuticals pointed that Gujarat has made remarkable, appreciable and noticeable strides in development. Ms. Samantha Harvey from the British Council spoke on the occasion.

Cabinet Ministers Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, Shri Saurabh Patel, Minister of State Smt. Vasuben Trivedi and Chief Secretary Shri AK Joti and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Explore More
ਹਰ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਦਾ ਖੂਨ ਖੌਲ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ: ਮਨ ਕੀ ਬਾਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਮੋਦੀ

Popular Speeches

ਹਰ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਦਾ ਖੂਨ ਖੌਲ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ: ਮਨ ਕੀ ਬਾਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਮੋਦੀ
India’s Ascent: Poised to Become the World’s Third Largest Economy

Media Coverage

India’s Ascent: Poised to Become the World’s Third Largest Economy
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
...
Cabinet approves the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
July 16, 2025
QuoteFast tracking development in agriculture and allied sectors in 100 districts

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today approved the “Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana” for a period of six years, beginning with 2025-26 to cover 100 districts. Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana draws inspiration from NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Programme and first of its kind focusing exclusively on agriculture and allied sectors.

The Scheme aims to enhance agricultural productivity, increase adoption of crop diversification and sustainable agricultural practices, augment post-harvest storage at the panchayat and block levels, improve irrigation facilities and facilitate availability of long-term and short-term credit. It is in pursuance of Budget announcement for 2025-26 to develop 100 districts under “Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana”. The Scheme will be implemented through convergence of 36 existing schemes across 11 Departments, other State schemes and local partnerships with the private sector.

100 districts will be identified based on three key indicators of low productivity, low cropping intensity, and less credit disbursement. The number of districts in each state/UT will be based on the share of Net Cropped Area and operational holdings. However, a minimum of 1 district will be selected from each state.

Committees will be formed at District, State and National level for effective planning, implementation and monitoring of the Scheme. A District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan will be finalized by the District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti, which will also have progressive farmers as members. The District Plans will be aligned to the national goals of crop diversification, conservation of water and soil health, self-sufficiency in agriculture and allied sectors as well as expansion of natural and organic farming. Progress of the Scheme in each Dhan-Dhaanya district will be monitored on 117 key Performance Indicators through a dashboard on monthly basis. NITI will also review and guide the district plans. Besides Central Nodal Officers appointed for each district will also review the scheme on a regular basis.

As the targeted outcomes in these 100 districts will improve, the overall average against key performance indicators will rise for the country. The scheme will result in higher productivity, value addition in agriculture and allied sector, local livelihood creation and hence increase domestic production and achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat). As the indicators of these 100 districts improve, the national indicators will automatically show an upward trajectory.