Governor of Tamil Nadu Shri Rajendra Arlekar ji, Dr. L. Murugan ji, Thiru Rajmohan ji, Thiru Nainar Nagendran ji, Dr. Girija Seshadri Amma ji, Thiru R. R. Gopal ji, my young friends, teachers and parents, my Tamil brothers and sisters, Vanakkam.
Key developments
Today is the first day of Navratri. To have the good fortune of coming to Tamil Nadu, the sacred land of Shiva and Shakti, and to have the opportunity to meet the devotees of Goddess Saraswati, makes this a truly wonderful beginning to Navratri for me. I can also see the enthusiasm of my young friends. I can feel this positive energy, this excitement. I can see the future of India in your eyes.
Before I begin, I would like to say that today I landed in Chennai ten minutes ahead of schedule. However, because of the way the programmes were arranged and some unavoidable delays, I was late in reaching you. I arrived later than expected, and this caused inconvenience to you all. For that, I sincerely seek your forgiveness.
Today’s youth want to become the strength behind the vision of a developed India. The new ideas and new solutions needed for a developed India will determine not only India’s future but also the future of the world.
Today, the world is looking for solutions. And you have the potential to provide those solutions.
Today, India offers infinite opportunities. I want every young person to see their future on that larger canvas. Because this is your time. This is your time. This is your opportunity. I am fully confident that we will fulfil this dream. Together, We Will Do It!
There is also an interesting inspiration behind my visit here today. A few months ago, our Girija Amma met me in Nagercoil along with some children. Their dedication, their self-confidence, and their devotion to the future of the country left an extraordinary impression on my mind. During that meeting, she invited me to this Golden Jubilee celebration. First, there was her affection; second, there was my own regard for this historic institution. At that very moment, I firmly decided that I would definitely attend this programme. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Vishva Hindu Vidya Kendra and the entire Hindu Vidyalaya family for this remarkable journey of fifty years.
Today, Vishva Hindu Vidya Kendra is celebrating its Golden Jubilee. This milestone is great, and its journey is equally inspiring. In 1975, this institution began as a small school in West Mambalam, Chennai. At that time, it had only seven students. Facilities like those available today did not exist. There was no permanent building. Resources were limited. But there was one thing: firm determination and an unwavering spirit of service. That is why, despite every challenge, this institution kept moving forward. Over time, this small effort grew into a major educational movement. Today, you have fifteen institutions across different parts of Tamil Nadu.
On this occasion, I also respectfully remember the contribution of Shri Jaigopal Garodia ji. He made an important contribution towards the construction of the school building. Today, I also congratulate all the teachers, staff members, parents and alumni who have made the journey of Hindu Vidyalaya successful. Fifty years of dedication. Fifty years of commitment. Fifty years of shaping young lives.
This institution is also an example of how an educational institution creates patriotic citizens along with providing education. I had also mentioned this in my Mann Ki Baat programme. Girija Amma gave the children a simple idea: each child should save just one rupee every day and dedicate it to the country's soldiers. When thousands of children joined this resolve, around forty lakh rupees were collected. Indeed, what an inspiring example!
Small contributions can make a big difference. Even a small effort can create a very large impact. Whether it is supporting those in need during times of disaster or participating in cleanliness campaigns, these values form the great legacy of the Hindu Vidyalaya family.
On this occasion, I would also like to remember the great saint Tiruvalluvar. His teachings are extremely important for all students. Recently, I had the opportunity to present a Russian translation of the Thirukkural to President Putin of Russia. The Thirukkural is an extraordinary guide for everyone who wishes to continue learning throughout life. In one of his famous kurals, Tiruvalluvar teaches us that it is not enough merely to learn something; it is equally important to apply it in our lives. And this is a great lesson for all of you students as well.
You must all have read Mahakavi Bharatiyar extensively. The city of Kashi also played a very significant role in his life. The spiritual and national awakening that filled the atmosphere of Kashi had a deep influence on his thinking.
I am a Member of Parliament from Kashi. Even today, the people of Kashi remember Mahakavi Bharatiyar. His words, “Achamillai, Achamillai” (Fearless, Fearless), inspire us to live without fear. Therefore, I would like to tell all the young people here: Give yourself a chance without fear. Work on your ideas. Dream big. Think differently. And be fearless.
Background and details
My understanding of India has been shaped by my travels across different parts of the country and by learning from the people I met there. In the early 1990s, I was also part of the Ekta Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. My first acquaintance with Girija Amma happened during that very journey. Since then, our association has continued.
My travels gave me the opportunity to understand the diversity of India from close quarters. The love I have for the Tamil language and Tamil culture has also emerged from those very experiences.
That is why I encourage you to discover India. Wherever you go, carry Tamil culture with you. Share Tamil poetry, stories and traditions with your friends. Make friends with people whose backgrounds may be different from your own. The unity of our nation is built by the friendships you make.
Today’s new generation is receiving opportunities to fulfil its dreams that are truly unprecedented. Look at how the entire educational landscape of the country is changing today. In 2014, India had around 750 universities. Today, that number has grown to more than 1,300. The number of colleges has also increased from about 38,000 to more than 52,000. In recent years, the country has gained many new IITs, IIMs, IIITs, and AIIMS institutions.
Today, the new education policy is improving the quality of education in the country. The global recognition of Indian institutions is also growing continuously. In the QS Rankings of 2015, India had only 14 universities. In the latest rankings, that number has increased to 52. The meaning of these figures is very clear. More institutions. More choices. And more opportunities for you.
Every young person has different dreams and different talents. For example, many of you may wish to make sports your career. Therefore, the country is ensuring that sports do not remain limited only to entertainment. That is why new sports facilities are being created across India today. Young athletes are receiving better training and support. And India’s stature in the world of international sports is also rising.
India is preparing to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. We are also moving ahead with the dream of hosting the 2036 Olympics. In the coming years, when major global sporting events are held in India, our youth will have both the platform and the opportunity to showcase their abilities. Therefore, the youth of India now have the platform, the potential, and the support. It means the opportunities are endless! I am confident that your generation will take India to new heights in the world of sports as well.
After coming among all of you today and feeling your dreams, my confidence has become even stronger. I can say with certainty that India’s future will be glorious. And the biggest heroes of that future are all of you. I have faith in your talent. I have faith in your confidence. I have faith in your capability. And therefore, today I would like to repeat some major resolutions together with all of you. After what I say, you must repeat: We Will Do It! Will you repeat it? Certainly?
Developed India by Twenty Forty Seven. We Will Do It!
Developed India by Twenty Forty Seven, We Will Do It!
Global Manufacturing Hub, We Will Do It!
Nandri, Vanakkam! (Thank You, Namastey!)
DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s address. Original address was delivered in Hindi.
Exam revision: key facts
Recall the answer first, then expand it to check the evidence from this article.
What is the main development reported?
Governor of Tamil Nadu Shri Rajendra Arlekar ji, Dr. L. Murugan ji, Thiru Rajmohan ji, Thiru Nainar Nagendran ji, Dr. Girija Seshadri Amma ji, Thiru R. R. Gopal ji, my young friends, teachers and parents, my Tamil brothers and sisters, Vanakkam.
Which dates or figures are stated in context?
Today, Vishva Hindu Vidya Kendra is celebrating its Golden Jubilee. This milestone is great, and its journey is equally inspiring. In 1975, this institution began as a small school in West Mambalam, Chennai. At that time, it had only seven students. Facilities like those available today did not exist. There was no permanent building. Resources were limited. But there was one thing: firm determination and an unwavering spirit of service. That is why, despite every challenge, this institution kept moving forward. Over time, this small effort grew into a major educational movement. Today, you have fifteen institutions across different parts of Tamil Nadu.