Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday urged the youth to draw inspiration from Dr BR Ambedkar’s message of “Educate, Agitate and Organise” by acquiring knowledge, questioning injustice through constitutional means and working to bring about change through democratic methods.
Addressing students at the convocation ceremony of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Lucknow, Singh said Ambedkar had emphasised the importance of pursuing social and economic objectives through constitutional means.
Referring to Ambedkar’s final address to the Constituent Assembly, the Defence Minister said that when democratic and constitutional avenues are available, violence, anarchy and unconstitutional methods cannot be justified. He described such practices as the “grammar of anarchy” that must be abandoned.
Singh said universities should focus on shaping young minds around the ideals of justice, equality, liberty and fraternity and prepare students to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
He said true education should develop the ability to think and understand, while also building practical and problem-solving skills. More importantly, education should teach individuals to use their knowledge for the benefit of society and instil values and sensitivity, he added.
Recalling Ambedkar’s emphasis on character and humility, Singh said knowledge and achievements must be accompanied by moral values and ethical conduct. Citing the vision of Swami Vivekananda, he urged young people to look beyond personal success and contribute to India’s transformation as job creators, problem-solvers and agents of positive change.
Asserting that rapid technological and economic changes were creating new opportunities, Singh called on students to embrace continuous learning and adaptability. Those who constantly upgrade their skills, he said, would be better equipped to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
Underscoring the importance of collective effort, Singh said individual contributions could drive progress, but a united national resolve could accelerate development significantly. He urged the students to work as part of ‘Team India’ towards the goal of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The Defence Minister also stressed the importance of determination, resilience and hard work in overcoming adversity. He said the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sought to turn challenges into opportunities over the past decade by promoting Aatmanirbhar Bharat, semiconductor manufacturing, digital public infrastructure, startups and the manufacturing sector.
He urged students not to fear uncertainty but to focus on finding solutions, work with dedication and continuously strive for self-improvement.
Highlighting India’s progress in the space sector, Singh said the country had moved from undertaking missions with limited resources to pursuing advanced programmes, including human spaceflight and the development of an Indian space station. He also highlighted the growing contribution of the private sector, with Indian space startups advancing in launch vehicles and satellite technologies.
On developments in education, research and innovation over the past 12 years, Singh said expenditure on research and development had doubled and the National Education Policy had been introduced after 34 years. He noted that Indian youth were excelling in international Olympiads, launching startups, building unicorns and developing advanced technologies.
Singh said India had strengthened its position in the Global Innovation Index and emerged as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. He assured that the government would continue to build an ecosystem that enables young people to explore, innovate, experiment and develop solutions for society.
The Defence Minister also stressed the importance of preserving India’s culture, civilisation and heritage, saying the country’s journey towards Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat could not be measured by economic growth alone.
“Economic strength makes a nation prosperous, while cultural self-confidence makes it great,” he said, highlighting efforts to promote Indian languages, the Indian knowledge tradition and cultural heritage.
“India has emerged not merely as a major economy, but as a nation that believes in its own civilization, culture, and potential. Today, when we speak, the world listens. We do not just follow rules; we set them,” Singh said.
“Today’s generation takes pride in the nation’s identity, has faith in its civilisation, and trusts in the future. This is the most significant transformation that has taken place in ‘New India’. The spirit of ‘Believe in India’ lies behind the success of ‘Make in India’,” he added.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University Vice-Chancellor Raj Kumar Mittal, and faculty and staff members of the university were present at the event.
