Shri Narendra Modi’s speech at eIndia 2011

Union Minister of Education Prahlad Joshi ji, my friend Harish Salve ji, Professor Abhay Karandikar, IIT Delhi Director Professor Rangan Banerjee, all professors, distinguished guests, and all student companions,

Today, a new journey begins in the lives of all you talented youth of the nation. You are living through a memorable moment of life - filled with enthusiasm, excitement, dreams, and emotions. To be part of this moment, to come to the IIT Delhi campus, and to share this experience with you, is very special for me too. The last time I joined a convocation here, the whole country was passing through the Covid period. Then I was connected virtually. But today, I am present among you, and that makes me very happy.

Friends,

Just as your families feel proud today, I too feel proud of you. Because you are not just receiving a degree - you are stepping out with dreams to do great things for the nation. Many students have also received medals for their achievements, and I congratulate you all for this. But if there had been one or two daughters, it would have been even better. Sorry - not just one or two, there should have been more. Today, some new initiatives related to AI have also been launched at IIT Delhi, and I extend my best wishes to you all for them.

Friends,

All of you, and all the students, are present in this program today, but in some corner of your minds, something else must be going on. I am not Baba Bageshwar, but surely something is running in your minds. Each student has their own picture of tomorrow. Some are waiting for their first salary. Some are preparing for a new beginning in a new city. Some companions are dreaming of their first startup. Some have set their sights on the next competitive exams. Everyone’s path is different, everyone’s dream is different. Yet there is one common feeling in all your minds - remember the day when you had your first day at IIT Delhi, and now this day of convocation has arrived. You must be thinking, wasn’t it just yesterday that orientation happened, and now convocation has come? From orientation to convocation, this journey must give you immense satisfaction. And at the same time, you must be excited for the beginning of a new chapter of life. That is why I say - live this moment fully. In the future, when big responsibilities come upon you, these old memories will surely take you back to those days. They will energize you. Every hostel has its memories - Kumaon, Aravali, Karakoram, Vindhyachal, Nilgiri, Kailash, Himadri - the stories of inter‑hostel competitions, old quarrels, so much to recall once more before you leave.

And friends,

It is not just about studies. Perhaps Jiia Sarai’s poha is calling some of you today. Maybe the parathas of Satpura mess are on your mind. Some of you may want to spend a few more moments at Wind T. If you go there, remember me too. Some may wish to revisit their department once more. Some may want to sit again at their favorite adda.

And friends,

In these emotional moments, I must tell you - whenever life gives you a chance to look back, you will remember this campus life, your friends, teachers, mentors, and support staff who became your family, your professors who took responsibility to shape talents like you, and this “Insti” which gradually became your home. In every success, you will remember them. You will be thankful to them. Therefore, carry them as an asset when you leave. Do not forget them, do not leave them behind - take them with you. My suggestion is, before leaving, meet every member here once more. And wherever you go, try to keep this bond fresh forever.

Friends,

You are stepping out at a time when the world is changing very fast. Strategic equations are shifting rapidly. Global power balance is changing every moment. And the biggest force behind this is the speed of technology. No one can say with certainty what the world will look like in the next 20–30 years.

But friends,

Whenever times of change come, challenges also come, and new opportunities are created. The world will change, technology will change, industries will change, professions will change. But amidst all this, remember my words - those who keep learning will keep winning. Those who dare to find new solutions to new challenges will turn challenges into chances. And this is exactly what you have learned at IIT Delhi. After all, what does your degree say? Is it only proof that you passed exams, achieved a good CGPA, or secured a good placement? Certainly, all these have their importance. But I believe your degree tells the world that you know how to solve difficult problems. Think of your IIT Delhi journey - reaching here was not easy, nor was the study easy. But you did not give up. This degree was not earned in a day. Every subject, every project, mid‑sem, end‑sem - these small steps brought you here. Life too runs on this principle. Whenever a challenge seems too big, do not be afraid - break it into smaller parts. You have seen in labs how problems seemed like dead ends, how simulations took hours or days, but eventually you solved them and created something new. In life too, difficulties will come. But the nature of difficulties is that they never come alone - they bring opportunities with them. Everyone must stay alert, stay aware, and keep remembering what this institute has taught you.

Friends,

I want to share some practical aspects of life with you. Campus life and life outside campus are very different. In IIT exams, there is a syllabus. But in the exam of life, everything is out of syllabus. Remember, in campus life everything was clear - what to study, which assignment to complete, which exam to give. But life runs differently. There is no fixed course, no question paper. Many times, no one even tells you what the real question is - you have to identify it yourself. I have seen the journeys of many IIT alumni. Their success was not only because they gave the right answers, but because they identified the questions that the world had stopped asking. They solved problems that others had accepted as unsolvable. That is why, keep curiosity alive, keep your learning instinct awake, keep your awareness sharp. Question what is blindly accepted, and have the courage to find solutions. This thinking will give you a unique identity.

Friends,

You all know that every generation faces its own challenges in its time period, and every generation has its own national responsibility. Our country saw the era of slavery, when the only goal of that generation was India’s independence. They sacrificed, they struggled for long years. Today, we breathe in free India because of their penance, sacrifice, and dedication.

And friends,

In today’s era, our challenges are different, and so are our responsibilities. In the next 30–35 years, whatever you do will shape the journey of a Viksit Bharat. Therefore, every decision of yours should also be based on how it benefits the nation, which need of the country it fulfills. Today, India is working towards economic self‑reliance, technological self‑reliance, industrial self‑reliance - building the strong foundation of a Viksit Bharat. On this foundation, you must construct a grand and beautiful Viksit Bharat.

Friends,

Your role in this journey is immense. The stronger the youth, the stronger the nation. With this vision, we have opened many sectors that were once closed to youth. Because of modern policies, new sectors are emerging for young people.

Friends,

Last time, when I joined your seniors’ convocation virtually, I spoke about reforms in the space sector. Back then, almost all work in this sector was done by the government. But today, the same space sector has become a sky of opportunities for thousands of youth. Our young people are building launch vehicles, launching rockets, achieving feats that only a few countries in the world have managed. Somewhere, a young engineer proudly says: “First in my bloodline to build a rocket.” The semiconductor sector is another example. When we took steps in this direction, some doubted India’s ability. They said India cannot do this. But today, production has begun in the first semiconductor units. I firmly believe - from chip to ship, everything will be made here, by your hands. And somewhere, a young person confidently says: “First in my bloodline to make a chip in India.”

Friends,

Look at our drone sector. Youth are creating new possibilities. Drones are being used in agriculture, delivering medicines, and helping in defense and security. And somewhere, a young innovator says: “First in my bloodline to make a drone.”

Friends,

India’s startup revolution has been shaped and powered by youth like you. Many founders have emerged from this very institute. If one institute can achieve so much, imagine the strength being built across the nation. Unicorns, digital payments, fintech - all have given millions of youth the chance to do something new for the first time.

Friends,

There are many more sectors where India is beginning a new journey, and the nation looks to you with responsibility and hope. Artificial intelligence, data centers, critical minerals, deep sea exploration, batteries, power storage, energy security, electric mobility, quantum computing - all these fields await your talent, innovation, and leadership. And I too am waiting.

Friends,

Another great opportunity before you is research. The country needs new research, and we are equally focused on it. The Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship is giving talented youth opportunities. The Research Development and Innovation Scheme has been launched to support ideas. The National Research Foundation has been established to strengthen science and research. Funding of up to one lakh crore rupees - one lakh crore - is being arranged for the research sector. I am saying this in English too: One Lakh Crore.

Similarly, friends,

Access to academic resources has been made easier. Through One Nation One Subscription, prestigious research journals are now available even in the smallest towns without extra cost.

Friends,

I know we still have a long way to go in this direction, and it can only happen with your commitment to research. The nation expects it from you, and most importantly, trusts you.

Friends,

Now let me talk about distraction. When we set out to achieve big goals, one major distraction comes - comparison. Who got what package, which company, which city, which country, who started a startup. In today’s social media age, this comparison never ends. But remember, life is not a leaderboard. Your real race is not with others, but with yourself. Every day, strive to be better than yesterday. And take care of your physical health and mental health too.

Friends,

Once again, I congratulate all students. I extend special congratulations to your parents and families, to your teachers, and to all those who stood by you at every step of this journey. May your future be bright, may you continue to reach new heights. With these good wishes - thank you very much.

Namaskar!