Life’s toughest tests are ‘out of syllabus’, Modi tells IIT Delhi graduates

Prime Minister Narendra Modi exhorted the youth to continuously learn and innovate, underli- ning that the rapidly changing geopolitical and strategic landscape, as well as the fast pace of technological advancement, present both challenges and opportunities.

Addressing more than 3,000 graduating students at the 57th convocation ceremony of IITDelhi on Saturday, he underscored that while they carry with them lessons from the institutions that empower them, they should also be prepared for the road ahead, where they will face tough life challenges that are “out of syllabus.”

“This era of rapid change is a dual landscape of unprecedented challenges and vast new opportunities. Amid all this rapid change, remember my words — the one who continuously learns is the one who will win,” Modi said.


He asserted that the youth of today would be instrumental in making India self-reliant and a developed nation.

The Prime Minister highlighted that his government had made an aggressive push for comprehensive self-reliance across economic, technological and industrial sectors. “Youth empowerment is the foundational bedrock of a Viksit Bharat (developed India),” he said.

The administration, said Modi, had made strategic policy decisions to democratise and open traditionally restricted sectors to young innovators. “The more empowered the youth of the country are, the more empowered the entire country will be.”

The PM highlighted the space, semiconductor and drone sectors. India’s young engineers are today engaged in actively designing and launching their own rockets, a feat previously restricted to a handful of nations. “Today, that same space sector has beautifully become a sky of new opportunities for thousands of our youths.”

Similarly, Modi stressed India has made rapid advancement in the field of semiconductor manufacturing, and production units are already operational. “Somewhere a youth is proudly saying with full self-confidence: ‘First in my bloodline to make a chip in India’,” he said, adding India is also seeing impressive growth in the indigenous production of drones being used in diverse fields, from agriculture to medical delivery.

The young are also powering India’s startup revolution, Modi said. He appreciated the massive economic momentum generated by unicorns, digital payments and the fintech boom, which have given unprecedented entrepreneurial platforms and jobs for millions. “All these revolutions have given millions of youths an incredible opportunity to do something completely new for the first time.”

The PM encouraged engineers to use their talent for new achievements in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence, data centres, critical minerals, deep-sea exploration, quantum computing and energy security. These are the frontiers of future technological dominance. “Many such cutting-edge fields are eagerly waiting for your immense talent, your bold innovation and your strong leadership,” Modi said.

The Centre is also laying emphasis on advanced research, he said, adding an unprecedented funding target of up to Rs 1 lakh crore has been set for it. “Today, the country desperately needs new research, and our administrative focus is equally and firmly on research.” He also said monumental work with respect to research can only happen through the unwavering commitment of young people.