admin Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his vision for India to re-emerge as the world’s foremost knowledge centre with a focus on advanced and research-oriented higher education. This declaration was made during the inauguration of the new Nalanda University campus, named after the ancient and revered seat of learning that was destroyed in the 12th century by invading armies.
PM Modi emphasised the resilience of knowledge, citing Nalanda as evidence that intellectual pursuits cannot be obliterated by force. He envisioned India playing a pivotal role in the 21st century, particularly in Asia, aiming to become a developed nation by 2047. He highlighted that historically, all developed nations had become economic and cultural leaders only after excelling in education.
“Our country once held a prominent position during ancient times with flourishing educational institutions like Nalanda and Vikramshila,” PM Modi remarked. He mentioned the upcoming International Yoga Day celebrations, underscoring India’s ongoing global cultural exchanges. These cultural engagements, he noted, reflect India’s enduring influence on global traditions and its commitment to sharing its rich heritage with the world.
Boosting Innovation and Research
PM Modi underscored his mission to re-establish India as a preeminent knowledge hub by fostering innovation among the youth from an early age. He noted that over one crore children are being exposed to cutting-edge technology through ‘Atal Tinkering’ labs, which are designed to nurture a spirit of creativity and problem-solving among students. The Prime Minister also mentioned the Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan missions, which are intended to ignite scientific curiosity among young Indians and inspire them to pursue careers in science and technology.
He reflected on India’s progress in the startup ecosystem, noting the remarkable surge from 100 startups a decade ago to over 1.30 lakh currently. This exponential growth is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative capacity of India’s youth. Additionally, PM Modi highlighted the record number of patents being filed and research papers being published, indicating a significant increase in the country’s research output and intellectual property generation.
To further support these endeavours, the PM announced a government initiative to establish a special fund of Rs 1 lakh crore aimed at bolstering research and innovation efforts across the country. This fund, he explained, is intended to provide financial support to promising research projects and innovative startups, ensuring that India’s brightest minds have the resources they need to succeed.
PM Modi’s vision for India includes an educational renaissance that draws from its rich historical legacy while propelling the nation towards a future marked by scientific and technological advancements. He called upon students to maintain their curiosity and courage as they contribute to India’s resurgence as a global centre of knowledge and innovation. This resurgence, he emphasised, is crucial for India to reclaim its status as a leading cultural and economic powerhouse on the world stage.
Magazine 
