Modi attends IIT Kanpur convocation, inaugurates metro rail and Bina-Panki multi-product pipeline project

Kanpur, December 28, 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 54th Convocation Ceremony of IIT Kanpur today and issued digital degrees through in-house blockchain-driven technology.

At another function, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Kanpur Metro Rail and travelled by metro train from the IIT station to Geeta Nagar.

He also inaugurated the Bina-Panki Multiproduct Pipeline Project. The pipeline extends from the Bina refinery in Madhya Pradesh to Panki in Kanpur. It will help the region access petroleum products from the Bina refinery.

Addressing the students, Modi said, “Between the admission and passing out from IIT Kanpur, you must be feeling a huge change in yourself. Before coming here there must have been a fear of the unknown. Now there is no fear and you dare to explore the whole world.”

Referring to the freedom struggle during the 1930s, Modi said, “Those who were young men of 20-25 years at that time must have had quite a journey till 1947, the achievement of independence. That was the golden phase of their lives. Today you are also stepping into the same kind of golden era. Just like this is the Amrit Kaal of the nation, in the same way, it is the Amrit Kaal of your life.”

The Prime Minister elaborated on the possibilities that the current technology scenario gives to professionals today. Indicating the scope of the areas like AI, energy, climate solutions, technology in health solutions and disaster management, he said, “These are not just your responsibilities but are the dreams of many generations which you have the good fortune to fulfil. This period is for deciding on ambitious goals and pushing with all your might to achieve them.”

The Prime Minister stressed that the 21st century is completely technology-driven. Even in this decade, technology is going to increase its dominance in different fields. Life without technology would now be incomplete in a way.

Expressing confidence that the students would come out ahead in this age of competition of life and technology, he said, “Today, the thinking and attitude of the country is the same as yours. Earlier, if the thinking was that of perfunctory work, then today the thinking is action and result-oriented. Earlier, if there was an attempt to get away from the problems, now resolutions are taken to solve the problems.”

The Prime Minister lamented the lost time that should have been utilised for nation-building since the 25th anniversary of Independence. “By then we should have done a lot to stand on our feet. Since then the country has lost a lot of time. In between, two generations have passed. so we don't have even a moment to lose,” he added.

He exhorted the students to become impatient for a self-reliant India that is the basic requirement for complete freedom, where the country will not depend on anyone. “Swami Vivekananda had said ‘Every nation has a message to deliver, a mission to fulfil, a destiny to reach.’ If we are not self-reliant, then how will our country fulfil its goals, how will it reach its destination?”

Modi said that, with initiatives like Atal Innovation Mission, PM Research Fellowships and National Education Policy, a new temperament and new opportunities are being created. Results of improved ease of doing business and removal of policy blockages are visible.

"In the 75th year of independence, India has more than 75 unicorns, more than 50,000 start-ups. Of these, 10,000 have come only in the last six months. Today India has emerged as the second-largest startup hub in the world. Many startups have been started by the youth from IITs," he said.

The Prime Minister conveyed his desire for the students to contribute to the global standing of the country. “Which Indian would not want Indian companies and products to become global. One who knows about IITs, the talent available here, knows the hard work of the professors, believes this IIT's students will do it.”

He advised the students not to choose comfort over challenge. “Whether you want it or not, there are bound to be several challenges in life. Those who run away from them become their victims. But if you are looking for challenges, you are the hunter and the challenge is the hunted.”

The Prime Minister advised the students to keep sensitivity, curiosity, imagination and creativity alive in them. “When it comes to sharing of joy and kindness, do not keep any password and enjoy the life with an open heart,” he added.

Inaugurating the Metro rail and the pipeline project, he noted the city’s role in shaping several stalwarts like Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Sundar Singh Bhandari.

The Prime Minister said Uttar Pradesh that was known for illegal arms is now the hub of the Defence Corridor, contributing to the safety and security of the country. “Our government laid the foundation stone of Kanpur Metro that is being inaugurated today. It laid the foundation stone of Purvanchal Expressway and also completed the work.”

Among other major achievements were the upcoming largest international airport, the longest expressway getting built and the Dedicated Freight Corridor hub coming up in Uttar Pradesh.

Before the year 2014, the total length of the Metro running in Uttar Pradesh was 9 km. Between 2014 and 2017, the length of the metro increased to a total of 18 km. ”If we include Kanpur Metro today, the length of the metro in the state has now exceeded 90 km,” he said.

Noting the uneven development of the past, the Prime Minister said, “ Earlier, piped water was not reaching crores of households in Uttar Pradesh. Today we are engaged in providing clean water to every household through the Har Ghar Jal Mission.”

"The double engine government knows how to set big goals and how to achieve them," he said, referring to the BJP government at the Centre as well as in the state.

"Compared to the mere 2.5 lakh houses for the urban poor of the state by 2014, 17 lakh houses have been approved in the last four-and-a-half years. Similarly, street vendors got Government attention for the first time and through PM Svanidhi Yojna, more than 7 lakh people got more than Rs 700 crore in the state. During the pandemic, the government arranged for free ration for more than 15 crore citizens in the state. In 2014 there was just 14 crore LPG connections in the country. Now there are more than 30 crore. In Uttar Pradesh only, 1.60 crore families got new LPG connections," he added.

Referring to the improved law and order situation, Modi said the state government has eliminated the mafia culture leading to an increase in investment in UP. To promote the culture of business and industry, the government has approved a Mega Leather Cluster in Kanpur and at Fazalganj.

Defence Corridor and schemes like One District One Product will benefit entrepreneurs and businessmen of Kanpur. Criminals were on the back foot due to the fear of law. He also referred to the recent unearthing of illegal money through raids by official agencies, he added.

NNN