New Delhi: During his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his government’s vision to build an education system robust enough that Indian students no longer feel compelled to study abroad. He referenced Bihar’s Nalanda University, a historic institution whose new campus he inaugurated in June.
“My aim is to ensure that the youth of our country don’t feel forced to seek education overseas. The financial burden on middle-class families, who spend vast sums on their children’s foreign education, must be reduced. We are committed to creating an education system here in India that attracts students from other countries,” the Prime Minister stated from the Red Fort.
Highlighting the revival of Nalanda University, he added, “We have rejuvenated Nalanda University in Bihar, which has now become operational. However, our mission is to restore the ancient spirit of Nalanda, using it to steer global knowledge traditions.”
The Prime Minister also discussed the government’s new education policy, emphasizing its focus on vernacular languages. “I urge state governments and educational institutions to ensure that talent in our country is not hindered by language barriers. We must prioritize the role of mother tongues in education, family, and daily life,” he said.
PM Modi underscored that the reforms implemented by his government are not merely for intellectual discourse but are part of a ‘Nation First’ commitment to propel the country forward.
He criticized previous administrations for their “chalta hai” (lackadaisical) attitude toward reforms and development. “There was a mindset of complacency, an environment of status quo. The common man desired change, but his aspirations were not acknowledged, and he continued to wait for reforms. We introduced significant changes, focusing on the poor, the middle class, marginalized communities, and the youth,” the Prime Minister remarked in his eleventh consecutive Independence Day speech, months after beginning his third term.
