How job givers slammed the doors on HRD minister Smriti Irani

"Even if you are born in a humble family , or worked in a restaurant, you could be a Union cabinet minister. I am a living proof of that. Remember, our Prime Minister also went to a government school and sold tea. This is a country of possibilities," she said.

Irani was addressing a gathering of about 2,000 learners celebrating five years of Teach India at New Delhi's Siri Fort main auditorium on Wednesday.

Irani remembered the days when she worked at the McDonalds, of the times when her family lived in a single room in Munirka. She also recalled how she had been rejected for jobs by three companies, including NDTV and Jet Airways. And in this context, she had a special word of praise for the companies who have been recruiting learners and played the role of enablers. "You have given wings to the dreams of the young. I know the disappointment of doors shutting on you," she said.

While underlining the importance of English, the HRD minister also stressed on the importance of matri bhasha or mother tongue.

She said that learning English is important not because it helps overcome something lacking in our personality but because it is a vital means to facilitate careers.

Irani also said that the government will shortly dedicate the online portal, Swayam, to the nation. The portal, she said, will offer courses taught in top institutes for free. The subjects will range from science to humanities. The courses will also be available for downloads on free apps, she said. "After finishing the course, you can go for certification in specially-designated government centres," she said.



She also spoke about the government's online digital library project termed as National e-Library . "Books in libraries will be digitised and made available free online. From next month NCERT books from Class I to Class XII will be made available free," she said.