This Article is From Jul 14, 2013

We need modernisation, not westernisation: Narendra Modi

Pune: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today expressed concern about the education system in the country, saying it had become a money-spinning exercise. Addressing students at Pune's Fergusson College, Mr Modi said that what the country needed was modernisation, not westernisation.

Here are the highlights of his speech:

  • The place where I am today, it's more than 100 years old
  • I had put a request on Facebook for suggestions on areas I should focus in my speech
  • Youth from across the country send me their suggestions. I have included these in my speech.
  • People from Kashmir, Nagaland, Kanyakumari have written. One thing is similar in all the suggestion- all if them are concerned with the issues of the country
  • They want to say something, do something
  • They have enthusiasm to do something for the country 
  • The country's future will never be in darkness
  • People are living in an environment of negativity. We have to overcome the negativity
  • Even today there is hope that it can be recovered
  • Today's youth is very concerned with the problems the country is facing
  • I don't want to make any political comments from this hallowed ground 
  • Ancient education saw everyone as equal unlike today
  • From a man-making country, we have become a money-making machine
  • In 1835, there was 100 per cent literacy rate
  • 100 years ago, the seed was sown by Narayan Guruswamy to educate fishermen of Kerala. Today the state had highest literacy rate in the country 
  • We need modernisation, not westernisation 
  • A small country like South country has hosted Olympic games. They have cemented their position in the world in the sports arena- a country with 120 crore population
  • We made a mess of Commonwealth Games. We have ashamed the country on the world forum when it comes to sports
  • Do we wan to take the country in the direction?
  • Headlines scream 'Such a huge nation, but did not win any medals'
  • Since independence, we don't have a single education institution which can make us proud in the world
  • Govt has played no role in excellence in education
  • We have to set our priorities
  • There are solutions available to the problems
  • People says 21st Century belongs to Asia- people debate if it will be India or China
  • In 1978, China's human resources changed the priority in education
  • In 2000, two of India's university were among the world's top universities and China had none
  • Ten years later, India has one university and China has 32
  • They have language problems, we dont have the 
  • The roadmap of China-education needs to be analysed and learning need to be taken out of it
  • China achieved this by setting aside 20% GDP for education
  • Our nation aimed 7% but set aside 4 %
  • Our people are making great strides in educational institutes outside India
  • We do not have any unified data on any research that has been done post-independence
  • Human Resource development is inadequate in India
  • Must link talent with talent pool and the talent pool with nation building 
  • It's unfortunate that India has not used the research work of its students in the development of the nation (states an example in Gujarat)
  • A comprehensive vision along with a suitable budget will bring about the change in a short time
  • We have to focus on research and the research should be aimed at improving the nation
  • If any country does not give importance to reserach than development is hampered
  • 45% of India's pharmaceutical companies are in Gujarat and even outside Gujarat, there are many Gujaratis working in the pharmaceutical companies
  • This is because the first pharmaceutical college was started in Gujarat
  • Tourism business is a 3 trillion dollars business
  • Today, in the defence forces there is huge vacancy in top positions. In 10 years time, this cam be corrected.
  • India spends more money to buy arms than it does to buy oil
  • Don't we have scientists here to develop this? We can be making and selling
  • No defence engineering subject in defence institutes of India
  • This country has the ability to contribute from every part of the country
  • Sites an example of a dam in Gujarat which was opened for tourists. How they recruited local guides and trained then and subsequently the number of tourists increased.
  • Education, Hospitality management can help India's tourism industry
  • Taj Mahal should bring the world to India's doorstep but the job of taking Taj Mahal to people across the world should be done by us
  • We can bring positive changes but unfortunately the government does not focus on human resource development 
  • We should encourage innovation
  • We have building an innovation institute to attract best minds in innovation from across the country
  • I spoke to Narayan Murthy about this. Government has offered to fund but we don't want to let the government run it
  • Others want power, we want to empower
  • Gujarat is first state to start forensic university
  • I am talking about Forensic University
  • The country is in need of doctors but we are not willing to make any doctors
  • Some are going to Russia and a few to China for a MBBS degree
  • Every parent wants the best education from their children.
  • For good education we need good educators
  • Our CEO's are running business organisation's across the country but what about preparing the young generation for this
  • All over the world, there is need for teachers- Can't we think of exporting teachers?
  • If a businessman goes abroad, he will earn a dollar, but if a teacher goes abroad, he will influence an entire generation
  • 2/3rd of India is coastal area. Singapore has a smaller coastline, yet it has higher international trade being carried out in its waters. 
  • Marine engineering, port management should be strengthened
  • Human resource development should focus on developing skills according to the need of the region. This will eliminate unemployment.
  • I ask every industry that enters Gujarat to develop local skill as per their need. This leads to employment creation.
  • The government in Delhi believes in certificates
  • Government at the Centre believes if the Food security bill is passed there will be food in the plate
  • Very important to focus on skill development

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