Compiled by: Sukanya Nandy
Last updated: Sep 27, 2023 10:40 IST
PM Modi hailed the participation of youth in the event as over 1 lakh students from over 100 universities participated in the G20 University Connect (file photo)
Addressing the participating students and faculty members of universities, Prime Minister Modi said that the youth of a country progress where there is optimism, opportunity and openness.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the G20 University Connect Finale program at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 26. Addressing the participating students and faculty members of universities, Prime Minister Modi said that the youth of a country is making progress where optimism, opportunity and openness prevail. .
He asked the young people to think big. “There is no achievement that is beyond you, but the country is not behind you,” he said. No occasion should be considered small and efforts should be made to convert every activity into a benchmark, the Prime Minister further added.
He also lauded the participation of youth in the event as over 1 lakh students from over 100 universities participated in the G20 University Connect, according to PIB’s official release. The government took the G20 to 5 crore students in schools, higher education and skill development institutions. “Our people think big and deliver even bigger,” he added.
The G20 University Connect initiative was undertaken with the aim of increasing the understanding of India’s G20 chairmanship among the Indian youth and increasing their participation in the various G20 events.
More than 1 lakh youth have been given appointment letters in the central government, Prime Minister Modi said, adding that more than 6 lakh youth have been given appointment letters since the inception of Rozgar Melas.
He also spoke about the growth of startups in the country after 2014, from less than 100 to over 1 lakh today. “India is the second largest mobile phone manufacturer in India. Defense exports have increased 23 times compared to 2014. Mudra Yojana is turning the youth into job creators,” he said. He said that in the last nine years, 8 crore start-ups have been created in India and 5 lakh Common Service Centers have been opened in India.
The progress of India and its youth is extremely important for the progress of the world, Modi said. “My strength lies in the youth of India,” he said. Noting that India’s college and university campuses can become crucial centers for ‘Vocal for Local’, the Prime Minister urged students to make Khadi a campus fashion statement. He suggested holding Khadi fashion shows and promoting the work of Vishwakarmas at cultural festivals in universities.
Prime Minister Modi also released four publications on the occasion: The Grand Success of G20 Bharat Presidency: Visionary Leadership, Inclusive Approach; India’s G20 Presidency: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam; Compendium of the G20 University Connect Program; and presentation of Indian culture at the G20. Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education and Skill Development, was also present on the occasion.
