New Delhi, 11 October (H.S.):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the new ideas and solutions emerging from India’s pursuit of a developed nation would shape not only the country’s future but also that of the world. Emphasising the immense opportunities available in India, he urged every young person to envision their future within this broader global perspective.

“This is your time. This is your opportunity. I have complete faith that this dream will be realised. Together, we will make it happen!” the Prime Minister said.

Modi attended the golden jubilee celebrations of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai and addressed the gathering. On the occasion, he called upon young people to make the most of opportunities in sports, education and innovation to take the country to new heights.

“The youth of today aspire to become the driving force behind a developed India. The new ideas and solutions required to build Viksit Bharat will shape not only the future of India but also that of the world. Given the boundless opportunities available in India today, I want every young person to envision their future on an equally expansive canvas. This is your time, and this is your opportunity. I have complete faith that our dream will be realised,” he said.

The Prime Minister said that new sports facilities were being developed across the country, while young athletes were receiving better training and support. India’s standing in international sports was also growing stronger, he noted. The country is preparing to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and is also pursuing its ambition of hosting the Olympic Games in 2036.

Expressing confidence in the potential of India’s youth, Modi said young athletes would take the country to new heights in the world of sports.

Marking 50 years since the establishment of Vishwa Hindu Vidya Kendra, the Prime Minister remembered Jaigopal Garodia for his significant contribution to the construction of the school building. He also commended the teachers, staff members, parents and alumni whose efforts had contributed to the institution’s successful journey.

He said the school was an example of an institution that not only imparts education but also nurtures citizens committed to the nation.

Referring to the initiative launched by Girija Amma, Modi recalled how she had encouraged children to save one rupee every day and dedicate their contributions to the country’s soldiers. The campaign brought thousands of children together and raised approximately Rs 40 lakh.

The Prime Minister observed that even small contributions could bring about significant change. He added that values such as helping the needy and participating in cleanliness drives had become integral to the school’s rich tradition of service.

Modi said the National Education Policy was helping improve the quality of education across the country, while strengthening the global recognition of Indian educational institutions. According to him, India had 14 universities featured in the QS rankings in 2015, whereas the number had risen to 52 in the latest rankings. This expansion, he said, had increased the range of choices and opportunities available to students.

Highlighting the expansion of India’s higher education sector, the Prime Minister said the country had approximately 750 universities in 2014, a figure that had now increased to more than 1,300. Over the same period, the number of colleges had risen from around 38,000 to more than 52,000.

He also pointed to the establishment of several Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) and All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) over the past several years.

The Prime Minister urged young people to explore India’s diversity firsthand and help promote the Tamil language and culture. He encouraged them to travel to different parts of the country, share Tamil poetry, stories and traditions with others, and build friendships with people from diverse backgrounds. Such interactions, he said, would strengthen national unity.

Referring to his gift of a Russian-language edition of the Tirukkural to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Modi said the celebrated Tamil text offered enduring lessons in lifelong learning. Through one of his renowned couplets, the classical Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar teaches that acquiring new knowledge alone is not enough; it must also be translated into practice.

The golden jubilee of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School marks five decades of the institution’s contribution to education and its role in shaping generations of students through academic excellence, discipline, cultural values and holistic learning.

Inspired by its motto, “Sa Vidya Ya Vimuktaye” (Knowledge is that which liberates), the school seeks to nurture students who can make meaningful contributions to society. Over the years, the institution has adapted to changing educational needs while remaining committed to character building, knowledge and responsible citizenship.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar