Zee Media Bureau
Pune: Reaching out to the youths ahead of upcoming general elections, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi while addressing students at Fergusson College on Sunday said that while others are interested in power, he is interested in empowering Indians.
Stating that "there is a big difference between `others` and us", Modi said, "Other people are interested in power. We give priority to empowerment. They want power, we want to empower every citizen of this country."
Modi further said that the country is going through a state of hopelessness which he doesn`t support as he does not endorse negativity and believes in positivity. He stressed that there was a need to modernise India without westernising it.
Taking a dig at UPA government`s ambitious food security programme, Modi said the Centre was under the impression that merely bringing in the Bill would lead to food reaching the needy.
"The government in Delhi thinks that just by bringing in the Food Security Bill, there will be food on your plate," he said.
In an attempt to connect to the young voters, Modi said that his speech is a reflection of the youth of the country which also includes suggestions he received by them through social networking site like Facebook.
Modi emphasised that over 65 per cent of the country`s population comprise youth below 35 years of age who are concerned with the affairs of the country. "While the young generation has lot of talent, they need a proper direction," Modi said.
Commenting on the education scenario, Modi said that since independence, the country is yet to see an education institution that would make a mark in the world.
He cited the example of China and said unlike that country, we are still to have a roadmap. "China changed its education system for good and has now around 32 educational institutions renowned across the world unlike India which only has one. They have allocated 20 per cent of GDP on education while India has mere 4 per cent," Modi said.
Underlining that education plays a crucial role in a nation`s development, Modi said, "If we want to have a good education system, we should create good teachers, which has not been a priority."
"Earlier, education was a man-making mission. Now, it has become a money making mission. Was this our tradition?" he asked.
He further said that it is unfortunate that the research work of the students is not being used for development unlike United States where both are interlinked.
"We need to promote research for progress. We need to nurture talent for nation-building," he said.
He further said that it is unfortunate that India does not have any one friendly neighbour.
(With PTI Inputs)
