New Delhi (India) August 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday highlighted that India's youth have become the power that is driving progress in the nation, be it manufacturing, economic sphere or space exploration. He also emphasized the government's vision of making education and skill development as the country’s strength where educational institutions are the foundation stone for unleashing this potential.
Equal Opportunities Through Education Reforms
Delivering a speech after unveiling the Viveka Smaraka at Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Prime Modi referred to the increase in medical and higher education seats across India and in light of Swami Vivekananda's teaching reminded that both education and equality of opportunity go together.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted that women's entries are increasingly happening in premier institutes like NDA and students are able to gain admission for engineering or medical degrees in their mother tongue and thus the avenues are being opened for a wider audience.
"Facilities are now available to pursue studies in fields like medicine and engineering in one's mother tongue. This is helping to curb discrimination in opportunities based on language," he said.
"Today, India is the world's fastest-growing major economy. Who has made this possible? The capability of India's youth. Youth of India are giving impetus to the development of the world," he added.
Remarks Come Amid NEET Protest Debate
Recently, the government led by Prime Minister Modi faced agitation from Gen Z students over the NEET paper leak. The demands by Gen-Z led CJP over leak in NEET papers and examinations took the center stage of political discourse, forcing the center to reconstitute the exam processes with former Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan eventually submitting his resignation from his post.
Though the Prime Minister did not specifically mention the agitation taking place over examination issues while talking about the significance of opportunities for Indian youth. His repeated statement on educational equal opportunities and to instill a 'direction' was significant considering the pressure from the students regarding examinations under the Modi led government.
Modi Urges Youth To Put Nation Before Self
Stressing that they should prioritize country interests over personal gains. Modi underlined that personal strength can be converted into power for the country when they are provided with proper chances, motivation, and "right direction".
"In any country, the potential of young people transforms into national strength only when they receive the right opportunities and direction, and the confidence to dream big and realise those dreams on their own soil," he said.
PM SHRI Schools Boost Education Reforms
Highlighting the government’s initiatives in strengthening the education sector, he stated that the nation has witnessed unprecedented progress in education, with concerted efforts made to enhance school education. Prime Minister Modi shared insights on the development of over 14,000 PM SHRI schools across the country, aimed at fostering learning beyond textbooks and cultivating scientific temperament and innovation among children. Additionally, more than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs have been established nationwide.
“On one hand, we are modernising our education infrastructure. At the same time, the education system is also being transformed to meet the needs of the modern era," Modi said.