PM Modi Addresses IIT Delhi Convocation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 57th convocation ceremony of IIT Delhi on Monday, urging the new graduates to maintain their curiosity as they enter the workforce. During his speech, the Prime Minister highlighted the unparalleled potential of India’s youth in the 21st-century global economy. He shared glimpses of the ceremony on social media, emphasizing the role of engineers in building a 'Viksit Bharat'. The event celebrated the achievements of one of India's premier technical institutions, drawing attention to the next generation of tech leaders.

A highlight of the Prime Minister’s address was his specific mention of Skyroot Aerospace founder Pawan Kumar Chandana. Modi lauded Chandana’s journey with the remark, "first in my bloodline to build a rocket," acknowledging the self-made nature of India's new space-tech entrepreneurs. Chandana reacted to the mention on social media, thanking the Prime Minister for the recognition. This interaction underscores the government’s focus on fostering a startup ecosystem that encourages high-tech manufacturing and indigenous aerospace capabilities, moving away from traditional family-business models.

The convocation also sparked a political row as Congress leader Shama Mohamed questioned the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra during the official ceremony. However, IIT alumni and several attendees quickly contested her claims, asserting that she had misinterpreted the facts of the event. The dispute highlights the ongoing ideological friction regarding the inclusion of cultural traditions in academic institutions. Despite the noise, the Prime Minister’s core message remained focused on 'staying curious' and using data-driven potential to drive India’s progress in competitive global markets.