Chennai: Participating in the 56th convocation ceremony of the Institute of Technology, Chennai on Monday, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi stated that he could see the destiny of India in the eyes of the IITians gathered there.
Chennai: Participating in the 56th convocation ceremony of the Institute of Technology, Chennai on Monday, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi stated that he could see the destiny of India in the eyes of the IITians gathered there.
Earlier on Monday, PM Modi arrived at the Chennai Airport and was welcomed by BJP leaders, H Raja and former MP Pon Radhakrishnan.
Amid loud chants of 'Jai Shri Ram,' Modi recollected his speech at the UN where he referred to Tamil as an ancient language. "When I was in the United States last week, I spoke in Tamil once and said that it was one of the ancient languages. Even today, the Tamil language echoes in America," he added.
The PM who was touring America last week had made multiple references to the diversity of languages diversity seen in India. He had also quoted the literature of ancient Tamil poet Kaniyan Pungundranar in Purananuru saying, "Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir" while emphasising the importance of universal brotherhood.
The PM's statements come in the wake of a stir created in Tamil Nadu over the BJP and in particular over the Home Minister Amit Shah's attempt to project Hindi as a unifying language and impose Hindi on non-Hindi speaking States.
While addressing the graduating batch of students at IIT, PM Modi said, "I can see dreams of the future and the destiny of India in your eyes." Modi also asked the students to award a standing ovation to parents, teachers and supporting staff at IIT who had played a big part in their success.
Referring to IIT as a prime example of how a decade-old institution can transform to meet the needs and aspirations of the 21st century, Modi lauded the newly set up research centre and the startup incubator in the campus.
"When I visited the research park set up on the campus, I witnessed an extremely vibrant eco-system. I heard that the incubation centre houses at least 200 startups working on different ideas from IOT, AI, health care and more. All these startups should create unique Indian brands which will take their place in the world market in the future," reiterated PM Modi.
Addressing the students, the PM motivated them saying that they are the ones who would make 'Brand India' stronger and encouraged them to keep pursuing excellence.