Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday, asked students to choose challenge over comfort.

Addressing the convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur on Tuesday, the prime minister said that fear of the unknown often glooms over students, but after coming to IIT Kanpur, "you are today on a quest for the best".

The prime minister began his speech by asking the IIT-Kanpur students whether "is it necessary to look so serious during the convocation". He said, "IIT Kanpur has strengthened your foundation. The personality that you've developed here will give you the power to serve society as a whole and empower your nation."

He said that the knowledge and expertise of students who passed out from this renowned institution would benefit the entire world. He said, "Today is a day of double happiness for Kanpur. On one hand, Kanpur is getting a Metro rail facility and on the other hand, the world of technology is also getting priceless gifts from IIT Kanpur."

Congratulating the successful students of the IIT-Kanpur, the prime minister said, “With whatever you have gained from here, wherever you go, you will provide value addition. The whole world, the entire human society will benefit from what you gained here.”

Appreciating the city, Modi said that Kanpur was one of the few cities in India that was so diverse. “From Satti Chaura Ghat to Madari Pasi, from Nana Saheb to Batukeshwar Dutt, when we visit this city, it seems as if we are travelling to that glorious past and sacrifices during the freedom struggle.”

He went on to say that the 21st century was technology-driven and technology would play a key role in transforming India.

"We are entering a phase of comprehensive opportunities to make a 'Modern India'," Modi told the gathering amid a huge round of applause from students.

"Earlier we thought of working, now we think of results from the work," he said and added, "The attitude of Indians has changed now."

The prime minister also mentioned the Atmanirbhar Bharat project. He likened the project to each graduate's struggle to stand on their own feet and be independent. He also referred to a report that ranked India in the third position among world unicorn startups, behind US and China.

He said, "In this 75th year of independence, we have over 75 unicorns, over 50,000 start-ups. Of these, 10,000 have come only in the last six months. Today India has emerged as the second-largest start-up hub in the world."

The prime minister said the government would always back the Indian entrepreneurs. He even advised the students to choose challenge if they ever had to choose between comfort and challenge.

'"We always face challenges in our lives. Become such a person who chooses to find solutions to problems," he said.

At the convocation, all the students were issued digital degrees through an in-house blockchain-driven technology developed at the IIT-Kanpur under the National Blockchain Project.

The prime minister also launched the blockchain-based digital degrees. These digital degrees can be verified globally and are unforgeable.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also present at the convocation ceremony.