PrintFriendlyIn front of me is both a mini-India and the spirit of New India. There is energy, vibrancy and positivity. As I was awarding the degrees to you, I could see dreams of the future in your eyes. I could see the destiny of India in your eyes.
Friends,
I want to congratulate the parents of those graduating. Imagine their pride and joy. They have struggled, they have sacrificed to bring you to this juncture in your lives. They have given you your wings, so that you can take flight. This pride is also reflected in the eyes of your teachers. They have created, through their untiring efforts, not just good engineers but also good citizens.
I also want to highlight the role of the support staff. The silent, behind the scenes people who prepared your food, kept the classes clean, kept the hostels clean. In your success, they too have a role to play.Before moving on, I urge my student friends to rise and applaud your teachers, parents and support staff with a standing ovation.
Friends,
This is a remarkable institution. I am told that here, the mountains move and the rivers are stationary. We are in the state of Tamil Nadu, which has a special distinction. It is home to one of the oldest languages in the world- Tamil. And, it is home to one of the newest languages in India- the IIT-Madras language. There is a lot that you will miss. You will surely miss Saarang and Shaastra. You will miss your wing-mates. And there are something you will not miss. Most notably, you can now buy top quality footwear without any fear.
Friends,
You are indeed fortunate. You are passing out of such a fantastic college at a time when the world is looking at India as a land of unique opportunities. I have just returned home after a weeklong tour of the United States of America. During this visit, I met many Heads of State, business leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, investors. In our discussions, there was one thread common. It was – optimism about new India. And, confidence in the abilities of the young people of India.
Friends,
The Indian community has made a mark for itself all over the world. Especially in science, technology and innovation. Who is powering this? Lot of them are your IIT seniors. Thus, you are making Brand India stronger globally. These days, I interact with young officers clearing the UPSC exam. The number of IIT graduates will surprise both you and me! Thus, you are also making India a more developed place. And, go to the corporate world and you will see many many who studied in IIT. Thus, you are also making India more prosperous.
Friends,
I see the foundations of the 21st century resting on three crucial pillars of innovation, teamwork and technology. Each of these compliment each other.
Friends,
I just came from the Singapore-India Hackathon. There innovators from India and Singapore working together. They were finding solutions to common challenges. All of them devoted their energies towards one direction. These innovators came from different backgrounds. Their experiences were different. But all of them must create solutions that help not only those in India and Singapore but also to the world. This is the power of innovation, team work and technology. It benefits not a select few but everyone.
Today, India is inspiring to become a 5 trillion dollar economy. Your innovation, aspiration and application of technology will fuel this dream. It become bedrock of India’s big leap into the most competitive economy.
Friends,
IIT Madras is a prime example of how a decades old institution can transform itself to meet the needs and aspirations of the 21st century. A little while ago, I visited the research park established on Campus. This is the first such effort in the country. I saw an extremely vibrant start up ecosystem today. I was told, that so far, about 200 start-ups have been incubated here. It was my good fortune to see some of them. I saw efforts in electric mobility, internet of things, health care, Artificial intelligence and more. All these start-ups should create unique Indian brands which will make their places in the world markets in future.
Friends,
India’s innovation is a great blend of Economics and Utility. IIT Madras is born in that tradition. Here the students and researchers take up the toughest problems and come up with a solution that is accessible and workable for all. I am told students here intern with start-ups, write codes from their rooms and that too without food or sleep. Except for the hungry and no sleep part, I hope that spirit of innovating and pursuing excellence continues in the times to come.