I am delighted to be here today in the inauguration of St. Joseph’s University. It must be a moment of pride for each one of you as your Institution has rendered continuous service in the field of education over the last 140 years. With a modest beginning as a college in 1882, today the college has emerged as a leading institution. I have been told that the institution has been maintaining high standard which is praiseworthy. It is in the fitness of things that your institution has been granted the status of a university. I congratulate all of you associated with this institution for this achievement.

St. Joseph’s University has earned a good reputation by setting high academic standards and contributing significantly in co-curricular activities too. I am told that this university has produced several distinguished alumni in the fields of art, science, sports, armed forces and public life. The success of an institution is reflected in the success of its students. This institution is fortunate to have an impressive list of alumni.

Ladies and Gentlemen

Education is the most potent means for social transformation. Our universities have to play the role of change-agents. It is the responsibility of educational institutions to train and equip the students in such a way that they are prepared for the demands of the future. In short, the students have to be made future-ready.

Today’s young people are aspirational. Our universities need to respond to their diverse aspirations. For this, out-of-the-box thinking is needed. Such thinking may lead to rich learning experiences and creative solutions.

The National Education Policy 2020 which is being implemented, is one such effort to make the academics align with the changing needs. The NEP also emphasizes on critical thinking and innovation. According to this policy, education is more about critical thinking and less about rote learning.

The world today is full of immense opportunities for the younger generation. However, the skills needed in the modern world are multi-dimensional. The approach of working and studying in silos will not be effective. It has to be a multi-disciplinary approach in order to fulfill the emerging demands.

In addition to science and mathematics, a well-rounded curriculum should also include arts & crafts, humanities, sports & fitness, languages & literature, culture & values. Such an integrated curriculum will help develop all-round capabilities among the students. I hope that St. Joseph’s University will cater to the aspirations of the students through its various specialized schools.

Ladies and gentlemen,

India will have the highest population of young people in the world over the next decades. Our ability to provide high-quality educational opportunities to them will determine their future and the future of our country. Many of our students look towards the West for higher learning and research. It should be our effort to make our universities globally comparable, so that our students get opportunities all over the world. Many Indian institutions have earned a place in international rankings also. But their number is very small. It should be the aim of every Indian educational institution to become world-class centres of learning. I am sure that if we take the right steps now, our country will definitely emerge as a knowledge super-power, as envisaged under the National Education Policy.

My dear students,

Development in the field of science and technology is necessary for national development. But, development in science & technology is not an end in itself. It is a means to a goal. The larger goal is well-being of all the people, especially of those at the lowest strata of society.

After independence, the biggest socio-economic changes in our country have been brought about with the help of breakthroughs in science & technology. From ‘Green Revolution’ in the agricultural sector to the more recent IT and telecom revolutions, all have brought immense change in the social and economic fabric of our country. These have changed the trajectory of our country. Today, we are on the path to become a five trillion-dollar economy.

My dear students,

As you all know, we are celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav on the completion of 75 years of Independence. It is a momentous occasion for all of us. But it is even more important for all of you. By the end of next 25 years, when we will be celebrating 100 years of our Independence, we aim to join the league of developed nations. In order to achieve this national goal, it is important for the young people like you to work with enthusiasm and contribute to the development of our country.

I once again congratulate all the faculty-members, staff and students of St. Joseph’s University for your achievements. I am sure that you will excel in whatever you choose to do, and contribute in making India a global leader. My best wishes to all of you.

Thank you! 
Jai Hind! 
Jai Bharat!