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