Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the keynote address at the 57th Convocation Ceremony of IIT Delhi on August 8, 2026. The speech focused on the role of India's youth in building a developed India (Viksit Bharat) and highlighted several government initiatives and emerging sectors creating opportunities for young talent.
Key Policy Announcements and Funding
The Prime Minister announced significant investments in research and development, including the establishment of the National Research Foundation with funding of up to ₹1 lakh crore (one lakh crore rupees) to strengthen science and research capabilities across India. The Research Development and Innovation Scheme has been launched to support innovative ideas, and the Prime Minister's Research Fellowship is providing opportunities to talented youth. Additionally, the One Nation One Subscription initiative has made prestigious research journals available in even the smallest towns without extra cost.
Emerging Sectors and Opportunities
PM Modi highlighted multiple sectors where India is beginning new journeys and where youth talent is critically needed. These include artificial intelligence (with new AI initiatives launched at IIT Delhi), semiconductors (where production has begun in the first semiconductor units), drones (being used in agriculture, medicine delivery, and defense), space sector (where reforms have created opportunities for thousands of youth), and other emerging fields such as data centers, critical minerals, deep sea exploration, batteries, power storage, energy security, electric mobility, and quantum computing.
National Development Vision
The address emphasized India's work toward economic self-reliance, technological self-reliance, and industrial self-reliance as the foundation for Viksit Bharat. PM Modi stated that whatever the graduates do in the next 30-35 years will shape India's development journey, and urged them to base decisions on how they benefit the nation and fulfill the country's needs.
Advice to Graduates
The Prime Minister offered practical advice, encouraging graduates to maintain curiosity, question accepted norms, and break big challenges into smaller parts. He warned against distractions of comparison in the social media age and emphasized that life is not a leaderboard—their real race is with themselves. He also stressed the importance of maintaining physical and mental health while pursuing ambitious goals.