Place: Video address on 28th Annual celebrations of DAV School, Chennai
Date: 3rd August, 2012
The first and foremost thing however, still remains the reach to education. Over 70% of Indians will be of working age in 2025.
21st century is the century of knowledge and the world has always looked at India whenever knowledge finds prominence.
Skill + will + zeal = win. This is my definition of Ojas and Tejas for modern times.
We have fundamentally changed access to tertiary education by increasing the number of colleges from 442 in 2001 to 1762 in 2011.
Through Vanche Gujarat: 60 lakh people read together at one point of time
At the outset, let me express my apologies for not being able to be there in person. I must say, it is me who has missed a lot for not being present there. I have missed to be a part of the event which is blessed by Triveni Sangam- Dayanand Saraswati ji in whose name the school's name is.
Also, Guruji Shri Golwalkarji whose blessings inspired Shri Varadrajanji for this institution and Swami Ramkrishna Paramhansa whose blessings come in form of the presence of Swami Gauthamanand, the President of Ramkrishna Mission, Chennai.
All this is even more important because it is happening in the year of 150th birth anniversary of Vivekanandji. I wish the DAV school, its students and teachers even greater success on their 28th Annual Day celebration.
This is an occasion to celebrate years of dedication and commitment. Institutions like these are not built of bricks and mortar— they are built of sweat and heart. One needs to put his life into and I am happy to see that happening here.28 years of dedication has made DAV School Adambakkam one of the best educational institutions sought after by students and parents alike.It is very heartening to know that what started as a small sapling with 570 students in 1985 has grown into a full-fledged tree of knowledge with 6500 students!!
I offer my tribute to Varadarajanji, a humble RSS worker, who, inspired by Guruji Golwalkar, has built up a massive educational infrastructure with his commitment and hard work.
21st century is the century of knowledgeand the world has always looked at India whenever knowledge finds prominence. That is why I always say that this century has to be the century of Asia and India in particular.
When we talk of education in India, it is not just acquisition of knowledge but it is about holistic knowledge, knowledge that builds and drives the life, society and community. From that perspective, I compliment the DAV School for imparting holistic knowledge to its students. I am impressed with the range of activities which the school undertakes for its students. They include: Patriotism, Love of God, Intellectual development, Cultural, Artistic & Literary, Yoga and Meditation, Sports and Physical Education, Citizenship Training.
I have also been saying that the students should not be just book worms. I have been emphasizing on Ojas & Tejas in the youth. However, to bring that in the context of modern times, we need to bring some shift in our strategy and break the concept into deliverables.From that angle we are working on the three things.I have been saying that Skill + will + zeal = win. This is my definition of Ojas and Tejas for modern times.
The first and foremost thing however, still remains the reach to education.Over 70% of Indians will be of working age in 2025. In this context, universalizing access to secondary education, increasing the percentage of people taking higher education and providing skill training is necessary.With a holistic approach, we are making concerted efforts right from primary education to higher education.We launched a state-wide drive in 2003 for enrolling students to school.
I myself, along with my cabinet colleagues, senior bureaucrats, other government officials and thousands of dedicated workers; travel to the remotest of villages across the state to personally encourage parents to enroll their children in schools.A special thrust is given to the enrolment of girl children.This programme is called ‘Shaala Praveshotsav’ & ‘Kanya Kelavani rathyatra’.
With this effort, Gujarat has achieved 100% enrolment in every locality, for every child in every family. And the dropout ratio has fallen from 20.5% in 2001-02 to 2.09% in 2010-11.
Having achieved this success in quantitative terms with regards to enrolment and retention in schools; we are now focusing on the quality of education. Gunotsav, an annual quality education campaign is being undertaken since the last two years.
In this again, the entire Government machinery spends 3 days in villages to evaluate and raise quality in all areas of school education. The data collected is analysed, schools are categorized on various parameters. Thereafter, remedial measures designed according to the needs of the schools and children.
At the same time, we have opened higher secondary schools with science streams in every Tehsil.
We have fundamentally changed access to tertiary education by increasing the number of colleges from 442 in 2001 to 1762 in 2011. The number of Engineering and Management seats have gone up from 22,000 in 2001 to 1,25,000 in 2011. We have also opened 31 new universities moving the total up to 42 from only 11 in 2001.
Not only this, many of these universities are highly specialised ones.This is unprecedented in India: Forensic Science University, Raksha Shakti University (for training youth in internal security), and Petroleum University. Not only in the academics but also in Value learning we have taken steps.We have set up universities like National Law University, Children’s University, Sanskrit University and Sports University. Education will have quality only if the right kind of teachers are prepared.
From this angle, we have set up the Indian Institute of Teacher’s Education. We are also emphasizing on Teachers’ Aptitude Test before they take up the teaching jobs.
Thus, we have strengthened the formal systems from lower to technical and higher education. However, it is to be accepted that the formal system has limitations in terms of reach, timings and expenses. Therefore we have taken very innovative and yet informal steps to prepare our youth for the 21st century.
Through Vanche Gujarat: 60 lakh people read together at one point of time.We launched a Gujarat quiz to enable the resident and non-resident students to know about Gujarat. We are perhaps the only state in India which has a kid’s city. For little older children, we have set up a science city, which is a global institution offering scientific temper in a playful manner.
And all this is not only for the elite students. We are taking pro-active steps to involve the poor and underprivileged children. We specially invite the Slum children in our cultural festivals like the kankaria carnival, patangotsav and Navratri celebrations. To build strength and character in the youth, we are organizing world’s biggest sports events like the Yoga Demonstration and Chess competition and the Khel mahakumbh.
Through Saptadhara, we have introduced seven parallel streams for integral education like arts and crafts, social service, yoga and so on in our colleges.
Education has relevance only if it is put to use. From this angle, through SCOPE, we are building English language proficiency in the youth of Gujarat. This is for enabling them to seek employment opportunities from a wider canvas.
eMPOWER is another initiative in this area – seeking to prepare Gujarat’s manpower with computer and other electronic skills. We are equally keen on promoting and incubating innovation.iCREATE is a very ambitious programme to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth.Mr Narayan Murthy is the Chairperson of this initiative.
In today’s age, the system of the Gurukul learning or even Campus learning and teaching has limitations. Hence, we are also undertaking distance teaching, training and learning. Educational campuses and buildings were important so far. But now, distance learning infrastructure is equally important and is very potential. We have provided computers to almost all schools.
Through EDUSAT, we have set up an elaborate mechanism for distance teaching and learning. On teacher’s day I myself talk to several lakh students and teachers. Now, we have got allocation of 36 megahertz of additional bandwidth through a dedicated satellite transponder. So, we are going to launch satellite based educational programmes in a big way.
Friends, I have a passion for education. I have tried to make an all round attempt on improving the system and level of education in my state.We are simultaneously working on all fronts.
From primary education to University; from School Room to satellite education; from simple reading to testing through quiz; from Yoga to chess and from soft skills to sharp skills.
I would prefer and suggest a programme for student exchange between the DAV School and Gujarat Schools. This may help the students of both sides.
I feel extremely happy to declare open the Dayananda Saraswati Building Tablet stone. I request Swami Gauthamanandji to kindly do the opening on my behalf.I also feel very fortunate to receive the Prasadam from the Kanchi Sankaracharya Math on this occasion.
I wish the students of the DAV school all the very best.
I am deeply grateful to the Gulf countries, who are providing all kinds of assistance to more than 1 crore Indians: PM Modi
I appeal to all citizens to remain vigilant and not be misled by rumours. Trust only the continuous information provided by the government: PM Modi
I am confident that just as we have overcome past crises with the strength of our 140 crore countrymen; this time too, we will together emerge victorious: PM Modi
Under 'Jal Sanchay Abhiyan', nearly 50 lakh Artificial Water Harvesting Structures have been created across the country: PM Modi
Under the Amrit Sarovar Abhiyan, nearly 70,000 Amrit Sarovars have been made across the country: PM Modi
Gyan Bharatam Survey is related to our great culture and rich heritage. Its objective is to collect information about manuscripts across the country: PM Modi
Recently, MY Bharat organized a budget quest. Its aim was to connect the youth across the country with the budget process and policymaking: PM Modi
I am happy to see that our country's youth are now embracing sports that were not as popular before: PM Modi
I would urge all of you to reduce your sugar intake … and as I have said earlier, we also need to cut down on cooking oil by 10 percent: PM Modi
Our fishermen brothers and sisters are not just warriors of the sea; they are also a strong foundation of a self-reliant India: PM Modi
Today, ever new innovations are taking place in the fields of fisheries and seaweed, and our fishermen are becoming self-reliant: PM Modi
Under "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign, millions of trees have been planted across the country: PM Modi
Today, the impact of the "PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana" is being observed in every corner of the country: PM Modi
My dear countrymen, Namaskar. Welcome once again to 'Mann Ki Baat'. This month of March has been full of turbulence globally. All of us remember that the entire world faced myriad problems for a long time on account of COVID. Indeed, all of us had expected that after emerging from the Corona crisis, the world would move forward on the path of renewed progress. However, situations of war and conflict have continuously kept arising in different parts of the world. Presently, a fierce war has been going on in our neighbourhood for a month. Millions of our family members, near and dear ones, live in these countries, especially working in the Gulf countries. I am deeply grateful to the Gulf countries, who are providing all kinds of assistance to more than 1 crore such Indians there.
Friends, the region where the war is currently going on is a major centre of our energy needs. On account of that, a crisis is emerging around the world regarding petrol and diesel.
Our global relations; the support we receive from various countries, and the strengths the country has built over the past decade have enabled India to bravely confront these circumstances.
Friends, these certainly are challenging times. Today, through "Mann Ki Baat," I would once again urge all my countrymen that we must unitedly overcome this challenge. Those who are politicizing even this issue should refrain from doing so. This is a matter concerning the interests of 140 crore countrymen; there is no place for self-serving politics. Therefore, those who are spreading rumours are causing a major harm to the country. I would also appeal to all citizens to remain vigilant and not be misled by rumours. Trust only the continuous information provided by the government and take action based only on that. As always, I am confident that just as we have overcome past crises with the strength of our 140 crore countrymen; this time too, we will together emerge victorious from this difficult situation.
My dear countrymen, India's strength lies in its crores of people. Today, in 'Mann Ki Baat,' I want to tell you about an initiative that reflects the spirit of public participation among our countrymen. This initiative is the Gyan Bharatam Survey, which is related to our great culture and rich heritage.
Its objective is to collect information about manuscripts across the country. One way to participate in this survey is through the Gyan Bharatam App. If you have a manuscript or information about it, do share its image on the Gyan Bharatam App. Information related to each entry is being verified before it is recorded. I am glad that thousands of manuscripts have been shared so far. For example, Chao Nantisindh Lokang ji of Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, has shared manuscripts in the Tai script. Bhai Amit Singh Rana of Amritsar has shared manuscripts in the Gurmukhi script. This is a script associated with our great Sikh tradition and the Punjabi language. Some organizations have provided manuscripts written on palm leaves. The Abhay Jain Library in Rajasthan has shared very old manuscripts inscribed on copper plates. The Hemis Monastery in Ladakh has provided information about valuable Tibetan manuscripts.
I have cited just a few examples here. This survey will continue until mid-June. I urge all of you to uncover and share aspects of your culture.
My dear countrymen, India is the youngest country in the world. When the strength of the country's youth is involved in nation-building, it is of immense help. The organization MY Bharat, is playing a major role in fulfilling this responsibility of nation-building. This organization is connecting the country's youth with various positive activities. Recently, MY Bharat organized a budget quest. Its aim was to connect the youth across the country with the budget process and policymaking. Nearly 12 lakh youth from across the country participated in the quiz. After the quiz, approximately 160,000 participants were selected for the essay competition. I had the opportunity as well to read some of these essays. They demonstrate the eagerness of my young friends to contribute to the country's development. Kotla Raghuveer Reddy from Suryapet, Telangana, Saurabh Baiswar from Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh and Sumit Kumar from Gopalganj, Bihar, have written on the topic related to farmer welfare.
Aanchal from Mohali, Punjab, and Om Prakash Rath from Kendrapara, Odisha, expressed their views on ways to advance women-led development. Pratham Barar from Yamunanagar, Haryana, has written that a green and clean India is the only path to a prosperous India. This reveals their deep thinking. Shankh Gupta from Delhi suggests that more efforts should be made to identify sports talent in rural areas. Our young friends have also shared their ideas on skill development and ease of doing business. I commend all the young people who are sharing their ideas. These ideas are crucial in taking the country forward.
My dear countrymen, this month has been full of excitement and enthusiasm for cricket fans across the country. When India achieved a historic victory in the T20 World Cup, a wave of joy swept across the country. We are all very proud of our team's thumping success. Late last month, a thrilling match was witnessed in Hubli, Karnataka. By winning this match, the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team secured for themselves the Ranji Trophy. It is most heartening to note that after a long wait of nearly seven decades, the team achieved its first Ranji Trophy title.
This unprecedented success is the result of years of continuous efforts by the players. Team captain Paras Dogra displayed extraordinary skills. Through his leadership he played a significant role in this victory. The performance of young Kashmiri bowler Aaqib Nabi, who took 60 wickets in the Ranji Trophy, is being talked about nationwide. This victory has thrilled the players and coaching staff, as well as the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This impressive performance on the cricket field has further increased the enthusiasm for sports among the youth there. In the future, it will inspire many young people to take up sports. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have a tremendous passion for sports. I am glad that it is now becoming a hub for major sporting events. Gulmarg has already established itself as the host of the Khelo India Winter Games. Sports like football are also very popular among the youth there. I hope this winning streak of Jammu and Kashmir sports persons continues in the future.
My dear countrymen, I often say, 'The one who plays will blossom.' I am happy to see that our country's youth are now embracing sports that were not as popular before.
Gulveer Singh, a talented athlete from Uttar Pradesh, has done wonders in one such sport. Just a few weeks ago, he created history by finishing third in the New York City Half Marathon. He became the first Indian athlete to complete a half marathon in under an hour. Squash player daughter Anahat Singh, won a major international title in the Squash on Fire Open. She achieved this success at just 17 years of age. With this, she has become the youngest Asian female player to make it to the top-20 in the PSA World Ranking. I also came to know about the Asmita Athletics League. In this, many sporting events were organized on the occasion of Women's Day on the 8th of March. Around 2 lakh daughters participated in the league. It is good to see that the woman power of India is playing an important role in this sporting transformation taking place in the country.
Friends, I have always urged all of you to certainly pay attention to your fitness. Now less than 100 days are left for the International Yoga Day; the attraction towards yoga is also rising continuously all over the world. Almis ji is promoting yoga through his Arvind Yoga Centre in Djibouti, Africa. He also teaches yoga to people in many other places there.
Many of you have commented on Instagram Content Creator Yuvraj Dua's post pertaining to my reply. He had requested me to ask his father to reduce his sugar intake. I am happy that my request has had a positive impact on his father. I would urge all of you to reduce your sugar intake also… and as I have said earlier, we also need to cut down on cooking oil by 10 percent. These small efforts will keep you away from obesity and lifestyle diseases.
My dear countrymen, there is an old saying 'Karat Karat Abhyas Ke, Jadmat Hot Sujan' which means that the more we practice continuously, the more intellect we keep acquiring. People also learn best when there is active participation on their part. I have come to know about a unique initiative related to education in Bengaluru. A team here is running Prayog Institute of Education Research. This team has a special focus on research projects. This team is engaged in popularizing science education at the school level. They have launched an experiment called Anveshana, which provides students from 9th to 12th standard the opportunity to innovate in areas like Chemistry, Earth Science, and Wellness.
This provides students with a very good research experience and a platform to publish their projects.
Friends, during our ‘ParikshaPe Charcha’, some students told me that they wanted to study science but were also intimidated by it. The efforts of the Prayog team in this direction are commendable. This initiative gives students the opportunity to engage with science and demonstrate practical experience. When we try something firsthand, curiosity and interest are generated. Who knows, perhaps one of these young friends of mine might be a great scientist of the future.
Friends, the Naga community is also making an effort to preserve the past and prepare for the future through education. The people of this community deeply respect their tribal traditions. They are proud of this and simultaneously also maintain a modern approach. The Naga tribes had a traditional system of Morung learning, in which elders would share traditional knowledge, history, and life skills with the youth through their experiences. Over time, this system has evolved into the Morung concept of education. Through this system, interest in children in subjects like mathematics and science is instilled.
In this, elders in the community teach them life skills through stories, folk songs and traditional games. In this way, our Nagaland is advancing children's education while preserving its cultural heritage. If you learn about such efforts in your area, please share them with me.
My dear countrymen, summer has begun in many parts of the country, which means it's time to renew our commitment to water conservation. Over the last 11 years, the 'Jal Sanchay Abhiyan' has created a lot of awareness among the people. Under this campaign, nearly 50 lakh Artificial Water Harvesting Structures have been created across the country. I am happy to see that community-level efforts are now underway in every village to address the water crisis. At some places, old ponds are being cleaned; at others, efforts are being made to conserve rainwater. Under the Amrit Sarovar Abhiyan as well, nearly 70,000 Amrit Sarovars have been made across the country. The cleaning of these lakes has also begun before the advent of the rainy season. Today, I would also like to share some inspiring examples with you. These examples demonstrate how widespread water conservation can be with public participation.
Friends, Wangmun village, located in the Jampui Hills of Tripura, is situated at an altitude of 3,000 feet. This village had been facing a severe water crisis. During the summer, villagers would tread long distances for the sake of water. Finally, the villagers decided to conserve every drop of rain.
Today, almost every household in Wangmun village has a rooftop rainwater harvesting system installed. The village, that was once struggling with water scarcity, has become an inspiring example of water conservation.
Friends, a unique initiative was also observed in Korea district of Chhattisgarh. Farmers there worked on a simple yet effective idea. They made small recharge ponds and soak pits in their fields, allowing rainwater to remain in the fields and gradually seep into the ground. Today, more than 1,200 farmers in this area have adopted this model, and the groundwater level of the village has improved significantly.
Similarly, in Mudhigunta village in Telangana's Mancherial district, people have come together to address the water problem. 400 families made soak pits at their homes and created a mass movement for water conservation. This has improved the village's groundwater level and significantly reduced diseases caused by polluted water.
My dear countrymen, our fishermen brothers and sisters are not just warriors of the sea; they are also a strong foundation of a self-reliant India. Battling the waves of the sea even before dawn, they set out to strengthen their families and the country's economy. The lives of these hardworking fishermen are being made easier in many ways today. Whether it's port development or insurance for fishermen, many such initiatives are proving extremely helpful. We know that weather patterns greatly impact their activities at sea. Keeping this in mind, they are being fully supported through technology.
I am extremely happy that such efforts are not only enriching our fisheries sector; it is also instilling the spirit to innovate. Today, ever new innovations are taking place in the fields of fisheries and seaweed, and our fishermen are becoming self-reliant.
Sujata Bhuyan of Sambalpur, Odisha, was a homemaker, but she wanted to do something new and further help her family. So, a few years ago, she started fish farming in the Hirakud reservoir. The early days were not easy for her. Numerous challenges such as weather changes, arranging food for the fish and balancing household responsibilities were there, but her spirit remained unwavering. Within just two or three years, she transformed her endeavour into a thriving business. Today, her success has become a new ray of hope for the women of the community.
Friends, the story of Havva Gulzar ji of Minicoy in Lakshadweep brings to the fore the incredible determination of our mothers and sisters. Actually, she used to run a fish processing unit. But she felt she could do even better with a good cold storage facility. Therefore, she decided to set up a cold storage unit. Today, this has become her strength. Now, she is able to do business with better planning.
Friends, such efforts are being undertaken everywhere in the country, which are inspiring. Shivling Satappa Huddar of Belagavi chose a path different from traditional farming. For this, he created a pond farm.
He also received training for this business. Now, he is earning a good income by selling fish from his pond. Whereas, looking at the demand for seaweed, many people have also adopted seaweed cultivation.
They are also getting huge benefits from it. I once again commend all those associated with the fisheries sector. Their efforts to strengthen our economy are highly commendable.
My dear countrymen, when society itself steps forward, even small efforts become the foundation of big change. Many such examples are emerging in different parts of our country which teach us that. Recently, an inspiring effort was witnessed in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Over 251,000 saplings were planted there in a single hour, setting a new Guinness World Record.
The most remarkable aspect of this effort was the involvement of thousands of people. Students, youth, volunteer organizations, and various institutions all joined together to make this possible. This same form of public participation is also visible in the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign. Under this campaign, millions of trees have been planted across the country.
Friends, a very inspiring effort has come to fore from Chizami village in Nagaland. The women of Chizami village are collectively preserving over 150 varieties of traditional seeds. These seeds are being preserved in a community seed bank, run by the village women themselves. These include rice, millet, maize, pulses, vegetables, and a variety of herbs. This is an effort that preserves knowledge, keeps traditions alive, and lays a strong foundation for future generations.
Friends, today, when the world is facing challenges like climate change, such efforts show us that solutions are not always far away. Sometimes, our own traditional knowledge and community efforts offer us the strongest path forward.
My dear countrymen, if you visit any city, big or small, today, you will surely notice a change. You will see solar panels installed on the rooftops of a large number of homes. Until a few years ago, this was only seen on a few homes. But today, the impact of the "PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana" is being observed in every corner of the country. This scheme has brought about a profound change in the life of Payal Munjpara of Surendranagar district, Gujarat.
She received training in solar power technology through the Surya Initiative and completed a four-month Solar PV technician course. She has now become a skilled solar technician. Payal is making a name for herself as a solar entrepreneur. She works on solar rooftop installations in nearby districts, earning thousands of rupees every month.
Friends, Arun Kumar from Meerut has now become an energy provider in his area. Recently, Arun Kumar participated in a program in Delhi and shared his experiences. He had shared that he is not only saving on his electricity bills but also selling his excess electricity.
Friends, Muralidhar ji from Jaipur has achieved similar success. Earlier, his farming was dependent on a diesel pump, which cost thousands of rupees every year. When he adopted a solar pump, his farming system transformed. Now, he no longer has to worry about fuel; irrigation is timely, and his annual income has also increased. Most importantly, his family is now living a better life with clean energy.
Friends, the benefits of the 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana' are also being obtained in areas of the Northeast. In Tripura, there are many villages of the Riang tribe which faced electricity problems. Now, through solar mini-grids, their homes remain illuminated. Children there are now able to study even after dusk. People are able to charge their mobile phones, and the social life of villages has also changed.
Friends, there are countless such examples of the solar energy revolution in the country. Do join this revolution and connect others too.
My dear countrymen, every month I receive numerous messages from different parts of the country for 'Mann Ki Baat'. These messages also reveal how enthusiastically people in remote areas listen to this program. When I read your suggestions, I feel that this is not just a programme; it has become a shared dialogue between all of us. Your thoughts… Your experiences inspire us to continuously improve this programme.
Do keep sharing inspiring stories from your surroundings. Maybe a small effort of yours will bring a big change in someone else's life; giving someone new courage to move forward - this very is the true power of radio.
It connects people in different corners of the country with one thought, one feeling, and one purpose. We'll meet again next month, with some new inspiring personalities; with some such initiatives that will infuse us with new energy to move forward. Until then, take care of yourselves and your families – stay healthy, stay happy. Thank you very much.
Gyan Bharatam survey aims to document and preserve manuscripts from across the country. If you have a manuscript or information about it, do share its image on the Gyan Bharatam App. #MannKiBaatpic.twitter.com/ujcoPuNJvL
From Team India's victory in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup to Jammu and Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy win, the nation has witnessed moments of sporting excellence.#MannKiBaatpic.twitter.com/tFAex6tQlj
With the onset of summer, communities across India are coming together to conserve water through initiatives like rainwater harvesting, rejuvenation of ponds, creation of soak pits and more.#MannKiBaatpic.twitter.com/gBApKeFBF9
