PM lauded the Vishwa Bharati for striving for the welfare of the poor

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says Knowledge and Power come with a lot of responsibility, while addressing the Convocation Ceremony of Vishva-Bharati today through video conferencing. The Prime Minister said Visva Bharati is not just a university, but a part of a vibrant tradition. If Gurudev wanted to see Vishwa Bharati as just a university, he could have named it Global University, but he named it Vishwa Bharati University.

He said it was inspiring and delightful to take part in the convocation ceremony of a great institution. He said it would have been a lot better had he been present personally to take part in the Convocation ceremony today. Mr. Modi said Universities stand for endless knowledge and skill and knowledge are not static, but ever evolving. He lauded the Vishwa Bharati for striving for the welfare of the poor. He called upon the students to strive to maintain unity in diversity.

He praised the songs and poetry of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and said they are gaining global popularity for imparting knowledge to readers. Remembering Chhatrapati Shivaji on his Birth anniversary today, the Prime Minister quoted a poem



written by Tagore on Shivaji.

He said the new 'National Education Policy' is a major step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. It gives strength to research and innovation. Mr. Modi said many people who are spreading terror and violence across the world are highly educated, highly skilled. On the other hand, there are people who are risking their lives and stationed at hospitals and labs to save people from a pandemic like Covid-19. It's not about ideology but a mindset, he asserted.

The Prime Minister said what one does depends on whether the mindset is positive or negative. There is scope for both of them. The path is open for both of them. It is in our hands to decide if we want to be a part of the problem or the solution.

West Bengal Governor and Rector of Visva-Bharati Jagdeep Dhankhar and Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank  were also present on the occasion. A total of 2,535 students will receive their degrees during the ceremony. Visva-Bharati was founded by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore in 1921. It is the oldest Central University in the country