Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered the convocation address at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Lucknow on August 29, 2026, focusing on youth empowerment and national development. He interpreted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's mantra of 'Educate, Agitate and Organise' as acquiring knowledge, questioning injustice through constitutional means rather than violence, and uniting to bring change through democratic methods, describing violent methods as 'grammar of anarchy' that must be abandoned.
Singh emphasized that universities should shape young minds with ideals of justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity, with education developing thinking ability, practical skills, and problem-solving capabilities while instilling values for societal benefit. He urged youth to become job creators, problem-solvers, and catalysts of positive change rather than merely seeking personal success, and to work as part of 'Team India' toward the shared goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The Minister highlighted government initiatives over the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi that have converted challenges into opportunities, including promoting Aatmanirbhar Bharat, strengthening semiconductor manufacturing, digital public infrastructure, startups, and the manufacturing sector. Specific achievements mentioned include India's progress in space technology from limited-resource missions to advanced programs including human spaceflight and an Indian space station, with growing private sector participation through space startups advancing launch vehicles and satellite technology.
Singh noted that research and development expenditure has doubled over the past 12 years, the National Education Policy was introduced after 34 years, and Indian youth are excelling in international Olympiads, launching startups, building unicorns, and developing advanced technologies. India has risen in the Global Innovation Index and emerged as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem, with the government committed to creating an ecosystem where youth can explore, innovate, experiment, and develop solutions for a better society.
The Minister stressed that Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat cannot be measured by economic growth alone, stating that while economic strength makes a nation prosperous, cultural self-confidence makes it great. He highlighted efforts to promote Indian languages, knowledge traditions, and cultural heritage, noting that India has emerged as a nation that believes in its own civilization, culture, and potential, with the current generation taking pride in national identity and trusting in the future.