Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi takes part in the golden jubilee celebrations of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today took part in the golden jubilee celebrations of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Noting the spiritual significance of the day, the Prime Minister said he was very happy to visit the holy land of Shiva and Shakti on the first day of Navratri. He said that meeting the devotees of Mother Saraswati and feeling the positive energy, excitement and enthusiasm of the youth was a very auspicious start to the festival. "I can see the future of India in the eyes of all of you," said Shri Modi.

Key developments

Recognizing the potential of the younger generation, the Prime Minister said that today's youth strongly wish to drive the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat'. He said that the new ideas and solutions needed to achieve this national goal will shape not only the country's future but the future of the entire world. "Today, the world is looking for solutions, and you have the potential to provide those solutions," said Shri Modi.

Encouraging the students to dream big, the Prime Minister urged every young person to see their future against the vast canvas of infinite opportunities now emerging across the country. He expressed full confidence that this shared national dream is within their reach in this era of unprecedented possibility. "Together, We Will Do It!" said Shri Modi.

Sharing a personal anecdote, the Prime Minister explained what inspired his visit. He recalled meeting Girija Amma and several children in Nagercoil a few months ago. "Her dedication, self-confidence and unwavering devotion towards the future of the country left an unprecedented impression on my mind," said Shri Modi.

The Prime Minister said that he had made a promise at that first meeting. Girija Amma's warm affection and his own deep respect for the historic institution led him to accept her invitation to the golden jubilee celebration. "I extend my heartiest congratulations to the Vishwa Hindu Vidya Kendra and the entire Hindu Vidyalaya family for this magnificent journey of Fifty Years," said Shri Modi.

Tracing the institution's inspiring journey, the Prime Minister noted that the Vishwa Hindu Vidya Kendra began in 1975 as a very small school in Chennai's 'West Mambalam', with only seven students and limited resources. He praised the founders for relying on strong willpower and an unbreakable spirit of service to overcome early hardships and move the institution forward, despite having no modern facilities or permanent building. "That is why, despite every difficulty, this institution kept moving forward," said Shri Modi.

Highlighting how much the institution has grown from such humble beginnings, the Prime Minister said that the small initial effort has become a large educational movement over the decades. He noted the scale of the institution's present reach across the state. "Today you have 15 institutions in different parts of Tamil Nadu," said Shri Modi.

Honoring the institution's founding figures, the Prime Minister respectfully remembered Shri Jaigopal Garodia's important contribution to constructing the school's building. He expressed deep gratitude to all the teachers, staff, parents and alumni who dedicated themselves to making the Hindu Vidyalaya journey a success. "Fifty years of dedication, fifty years of commitment, fifty years of shaping young lives," said Shri Modi.

Praising the institution for combining academic education with strong patriotic values, the Prime Minister recalled mentioning Girija Amma in his 'Mann Ki Baat' program for inspiring children to save just one rupee a day for the nation's soldiers. He commended the collective impact of thousands of children joining this resolution and raising forty lakh rupees. "Indeed, what an inspiring example!" said Shri Modi.

Stressing the power of small, steady efforts, the Prime Minister said that small contributions can have a large positive impact on society. He praised the Hindu Vidyalaya family for building a great legacy of values, whether by supporting people in need during natural disasters or by taking part in cleanliness drives. "Even a small effort can create a very big impact," said Shri Modi.

Invoking ancient wisdom, the Prime Minister paid homage to the great saint Thiruvalluvar and said that his teachings remain highly relevant for today's students. He proudly mentioned that he recently presented a Russian translation of the Thirukkural to President Putin. "His teachings are very important for all of you students," said Shri Modi.

Speaking about the timeless guidance of the Thirukkural, the Prime Minister called it a wonderful guide for lifelong learners. He cited a famous Kural by Thiruvalluvar that stresses the need to apply what one learns in daily life, and called it a vital lesson for the students. "Along with learning something, it is also essential to adopt it in one's life," said Shri Modi.

Highlighting the cultural ties that bind the nation, the Prime Minister noted that the great poet Mahakavi Bharathiyar was deeply influenced by the spiritual and national consciousness he experienced in Kashi. He encouraged the students to read about the poet's life and philosophy and draw inspiration from them. "The atmosphere of Kashi, filled with spiritual and national consciousness, had a deep impact on his thoughts," said Shri Modi.

Linking his own parliamentary constituency to this shared heritage, the Prime Minister said that the people of Kashi still remember Mahakavi Bharathiyar fondly today. He urged the youth to adopt the poet's famous mantra 'Achamillai, Achamillai' (Fearless, Fearless) and pursue their ideas and dreams boldly. "Dream big, think differently, and be fearless," said Shri Modi.

Reflecting on his own life experiences, the Prime Minister explained that his deep understanding of the country came from extensive travel and from learning directly from people in different regions. He recalled taking part in the Ekta Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir in the early 1990s, where his long acquaintance with Girija Amma began. "Since then this acquaintance of ours has remained," said Shri Modi.

Background and details

Speaking of his personal connection to the state, the Prime Minister said that his extensive travels helped him understand and appreciate the nation's great diversity closely. "The love that exists in my life for the Tamil language and Tamil culture has also been born from these very experiences," said Shri Modi.

Encouraging the students to engage in national integration, the Prime Minister urged the youth to travel widely and proudly carry Tamil culture wherever they go. He advised them to share Tamil poetry, stories and traditions, and to make friends with people from very different backgrounds to strengthen the unity of the nation. "The unity of our nation is built by the friendships you make," said Shri Modi.

Describing the major changes transforming the country's academic landscape, the Prime Minister highlighted the large expansion of opportunities available to the new generation. He cited statistics: the number of universities in the country has risen from 750 in 2014 to over 1,300 today, and colleges have increased from 38,000 to over 52,000. Numerous new IITs, IIMs, IIITs and AIIMS have also been established. "The entire landscape of education in the country is changing today," said Shri Modi.

Pointing to the quality improvements driven by the new education policy, the Prime Minister noted the growing global recognition of Indian institutions. He said that the number of Indian universities in the QS Rankings has risen from just 14 in 2015 to 52 in the latest rankings, giving students far more choices. "More institutions, more choices, and more opportunities for you," said Shri Modi.

Addressing the diverse aspirations of the youth, the Prime Minister acknowledged that many students wish to pursue non-traditional careers, particularly in sports. He assured them that the country is building new sports infrastructure and providing better training and support so that sports is treated as a viable profession rather than mere entertainment, which is already raising the nation's international stature. "Young athletes are getting better training and support," said Shri Modi.

Outlining ambitious national sporting goals, the Prime Minister announced that the country is preparing to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and is moving ahead with the dream of hosting the 2036 Olympics. He said that with major global sporting events coming, the youth have the platform, the potential and the full backing of the state. "The opportunities are endless, and I am confident your generation will take India to new heights in the world of sports as well," said Shri Modi.

Expressing confidence in the younger generation, the Prime Minister said that interacting with the students and feeling their vibrant dreams had strengthened his belief in a glorious national future. He called the youth the biggest heroes who will shape the coming era. "The future of India will be very glorious, and the biggest heroes of that future are you," said Shri Modi.

Reaffirming his trust in their abilities, the Prime Minister praised the talent, confidence and capability of the students present. He invited the gathered youth to join him in making some big national resolutions. "Today I want to reiterate some big resolutions with all of you," said Shri Modi.

Concluding his address with an energetic, interactive pledge, the Prime Minister led the crowd in a resounding chant of "We will Do it!" to commit to a series of national goals. He urged the youth to dedicate themselves to building a Developed India by 2047, becoming a top-three global economy, establishing a self-reliant global manufacturing hub, hosting the Olympics, and placing an Indian on the moon.

Golden Jubilee celebrations of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya in Chennai… The energy of our youth inspires great faith in India's future. https://t.co/FoyiqVrShY

आज का युवा ‘विकसित भारत’ के vision की ताकत बनना चाहता है। विकसित भारत के लिए जो नए ideas चाहिए… जो नए solutions चाहिए… उनसे भारत ही नहीं, विश्व का भविष्य भी तय होगा: PM @narendramodi

आज भारत में जो infinite opportunities हैं… मैं चाहता हूं कि हर युवा अपने भविष्य को उसी बड़े canvas पर देखे। Because, this is your time. This is your opportunity: PM @narendramodi

मैं महान संत तिरुवल्लुवर जी को भी याद करुंगा। उनकी शिक्षाएं आप सभी स्टूडेंट्स के लिए बहुत अहम हैं। हाल ही में मुझे रूस के राष्ट्रपति पुतिन को तिरुक्कुरल का रूसी अनुवाद भेंट करने का अवसर मिला था: PM @narendramodi

@narendramodi तिरुक्कुरल उन सभी लोगों के लिए एक अद्भुत मार्गदर्शक है, जो जीवन भर कुछ नया सीखते रहना चाहते हैं। तिरुवल्लुवर जी अपने एक बहुत प्रसिद्ध कुरल में हमें सिखाते हैं कि कुछ सीखने के साथ ही उसे अपने जीवन में अपनाना भी आवश्यक है: PM @narendramodi

भारत 2030 Commonwealth Games की मेजबानी की तैयारी कर रहा है। हम 2036 Olympics की मेजबानी का सपना भी लेकर आगे बढ़ रहे हैं: PM @narendramodi