Observing that knowledge would be the biggest bridge between education and nation building, he said it is sad that no university in India has attained top global ranking status. “What is lacking we have to identify and work upon it.” Knowledge is also the “most potent tool” to fight poverty, he said, adding there was “no reason” why India should lag behind other developed nations.
“We have the brightest minds. We have a number of philosophers. Why should be there only few SRMs?”, he asked. Stating that private enterprises are more eager to play in the education sector, he said, “I am quietly convinced that we should give them a free hand.” “That is why I recently said IITs and IIMs should be there in every state of our country”, he said. Pointing out that skill development is the need of the hour, he said “if there is no skill, there will not be employment.”
Modi later awarded certificates and degrees to about 10,290 students of SRM University.
