Indian universities have made significant strides in their international standing, thanks to forward-thinking policies and decisions in the education sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday. He highlighted that the number of Indian universities included in the prestigious QS World University Rankings has soared to 45, a substantial increase from just 12 in 2014.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of Delhi University’s year-long centenary celebrations, PM Modi credited India’s youth for transcending the conventional notion of education focused solely on placements and degrees. He praised them for their entrepreneurial spirit, filing more patents, and establishing startups. The Prime Minister emphasized that the upcoming universities, colleges, IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS are becoming the building blocks of a new India.
Reflecting on DU’s journey over the past 100 years, PM Modi commended the institution for not only preserving its heritage but also keeping its values vibrant. He encouraged Delhi University to embrace the goal of making India a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) as it enters its 125th year alongside India’s centenary of independence.
PM Modi underscored the significance of knowledge, citing examples of ancient Indian universities such as Nalanda and Takshila that propelled the nation to prosperity. He lamented how repeated attacks during the period of foreign rule led to the destruction of these institutions, impeding intellectual growth and hindering progress. Post-independence, universities played a vital role in channeling the nation’s aspirations through a generation of talented youth, with Delhi University playing a prominent part in this process.
Discussing the recent reforms in the National Education Policy, PM Modi highlighted the increased flexibility it offers students in selecting subjects. He emphasized that education is not merely a process of teaching but also a pathway for learning. The focus is now shifting to what students want to learn, a departure from traditional approaches.
During his recent visit to the United States, PM Modi signed a deal to initiate the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET). He highlighted that this initiative would open up new opportunities for Indian youth in sectors ranging from artificial intelligence to semiconductors, granting access to technologies that were previously beyond reach. The Prime Minister expressed optimism, mentioning the investments made by companies like Micron, Google, and Applied Materials in India as a glimpse of a bright future for Indian youth.
PM Modi challenged Delhi University to create a roadmap that would place it among the top-ranking universities in the world when it celebrates its 125th anniversary. He urged the institution to foster future-making innovations, produce world-class ideas and leaders. Continuous effort and dedication are essential to achieving these goals, according to the Prime Minister.
In a separate development, PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for the Delhi University Computer Centre, as well as the buildings for the Faculty of Technology and the Academic Block on the North Campus. The University of Delhi, established on May 1, 1922, has grown exponentially over the years and currently comprises 86 departments, 90 colleges, and over 6 lakh (600,000) students.
Earlier in the day, with tight security arrangements in place, Prime Minister Modi traveled on the Delhi Metro to attend the event at Delhi University. Images and videos were shared of the Prime Minister interacting with fellow commuters during his metro ride.
On the way to the DU programme by the Delhi Metro. Happy to have youngsters as my co-passengers. pic.twitter.com/G9pwsC0BQK
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 30, 2023
The closing ceremony of Delhi University’s centenary celebration was attended by Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan as the guest of honor. The university has introduced B.Tech programs from the upcoming academic session, and the newly laid buildings will cater to the faculty of technology, the computer center, and the academic block, equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure.