Despite the drubbing received by the BJP-led NDA from Tamil Nadu in the 2019 General Election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his first visit to the State after the electoral victory, had some inspiring words for the people of the State.

His critics including the DMK, the Congress and the Lefts were in for a surprise as Prime Minister Modi eulogised Tamil Nadu and the Tamil language during the convocation of Indian Institute of Technology-Madras on Monday.

“It is heartening to be in Tamil Nadu  which is home to the oldest language in the world, Tamil,” said the Prime Minister in his convocation address. This is seen as a rebuff to his political rivals who have been campaigning across the State that he was anti-Tamil.

The Prime Minister’s speech was full of praise for the State and its culture. He also described the delicacies of Tamil Nadu as one of the best in the world. Idli, vada, sambar, pongal all came for appreciation by the Prime Minister who termed them as nutritious and healthy.

He asked the youth of the IIT-Madras who graduated out of the institution to keep in mind the needs of India irrespective of where they lived across the world and think of how their research, work and innovation can help other Indians.

Referring to his recent visit to the United States,where he held a series of meetings with world leaders and business barons, Prime Minister Modi said wherever he went and whoeber he met, he could make out a common thread which connected these people. “It is their optimism about new India. The Indian community in USA has made a mark for themselves globally in science and technology,” the Prime Minister said.

He reminded the young graduates that they were passing out of the IIT at a time when the whole world was looking towards India as a ‘land of unique opportunities’. The Prime Minister was all praise for the IITians and paid big compliments  in his speech which drew frequent ovation from the students and faculties alike.

He said that the Indian community has made a mark for itself all over the world, especially in science, technology and innovation. And many who were powering this “are your IIT seniors,”  Modi said adding  “you are making brand India stronger globally.”

He said the number of IIT graduates making it to the country’s civil service has surprised him. “These days I interact with young officers clearing UPSC exams. The number of IIT graduates (among them) will surprise both you and me. Thus you are also making India a more developed place,” he said.

The Prime Minister also asked the graduates to keep in mind the needs of India irrespective of where they lived across the world. “Your work, research and innovation should help other Indians. Today, India is aspiring to become a 5 trillion dollar economy. Your innovation, and application of technology will fuel this dream. It will become the bedrock of India’s big leap to become the most competitive economy,” said the Prime Minister.