To transform India into a developed country by 2047, we must connect our institutions to industry and set goals for the next 25 years, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said while addressing the fifth convocation ceremony of Bennett University in Greater Noida on Friday.
“When the country’s population of 142 crore moves forward with one voice and resolve, there is no reason why our country cannot become a developed India,” Yogi said.
As part of the event, the chief minister planted saplings on the university campus. The vice-chancellor of the university presented him with an ‘angavastram’.
On this occasion, a BTech student presented a portrait of Shri Ram Darbar to the chief minister.
In his address, the chief minister extended best wishes to the graduating students and said: “Our university convocations are a transformed version of ancient India’s university and Gurukul convocations. The universities of ancient India were renowned centres for research and development for graduates worldwide.”
Mentioning a verse from the Taittiriya Upanishad, ‘Satyam vada dharmam chara svadhyayananma pramadah’, Yogi emphasised the importance of speaking truth, practising righteousness, avoiding laziness in self-study, and staying on the path of truth and righteousness. He urged the graduates to avoid negligence in virtuous actions, seize opportunities for greatness, and show respect to parents, teachers, and guests as if they were deities.
“What we commonly refer to as ‘religion’ in everyday life may not be true religion; it could be just a part of it,” he philosophised. He mentioned that rituals and worship practices could not be considered as religion as these are personal activities.
“Religion is a broad concept that inspires us to follow the path of duties, ethical values, and virtuous conduct. Whenever the youth of India has followed this path, India has quickly become a major force in the world,” the chief minister said.
Further discussing the ‘Panch Pran’ of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Yogi said that every Indian should adopt this resolve, regardless of the field they are working in. “This can only happen when we have a vision of ‘Nation First’ in front of everyone. Prioritising the country over personal and family interests is crucial for national progress,” he added.
Lauding the accomplishments of Bennett University, the chief minister said that it has achieved many successes in just seven years. He emphasised the university’s progress towards becoming a global institution and also stressed on the importance of educational institutions making efforts for their local communities.
Furthermore, he highlighted the need for institutions to connect with industries for India to establish itself as a developed country.
The chief minister appreciated Bennett University by noting that it has collaborations with more than 20 CEOs from different industries, guiding the students. He also guided the students on the importance of a clear vision, teamwork, and gaining experience, particularly in the context of the challenges posed by encephalitis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
He mentioned that India has the highest youth population globally and that the state has the maximum number of youth in the country. He emphasised the need to move forward with this strength, stating that success in life comes through hard work and dedication. He assured the university continuous support from the state government.
