'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' spirit pervades from cricket field to COVID-19 fight: PM
"Aatmanirbhar Bharat is not only about technological advancement and progress. It has become part of everyday life of the nation," PM Modi said, addressing the 18th convocation of Tezpur University digitally from New Delhi.
'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' mission has become a part of everyday life of the country and its spirit pervades from the cricket field to COVID-19 management, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday.
He also hailed the country's scientists and health professionals for effectively tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Aatmanirbhar Bharat is not only about technological advancement and progress. It has become part of everyday life of the nation," he said, addressing the 18th convocation of Tezpur University digitally from New Delhi.
In this context, he referred to the miraculous victory of the young Indian cricket team in Australia, which overcame multiple challenges to win the Test match series.
"They faced the challanges boldly and came up with new solutions despite a string of injuries and lack of experience. A positive mindset always leads to positive results which is the essence of Aatmanirbhar Bharat," he said.
"We should learn to take risks and overcome the fear of failure," PM Modi said.
Assam Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi, Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, and Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal were also present on the occasion.
The blended convocation was held while observing COVID-19 protocols, whereby only PhD scholars and gold medalists received their degrees and gold medals in person and the rest of the recipients will be awarded degrees and diplomas virtually, the statement said.
Speaking about India's fight against the pandemic, the prime minister said there was scepticism about how such a large country will tackle it.
"Our COVID-19 management showed where there is resolve and resilience, resources come naturally. And today, the world's largest vaccination programme is under way in India," he said.
The prime minister said immense opportunities have opened up for the students in the Northeast, with improved connectivity and strengthening of the education and healthcare sectors.
Tezpur University's Innovation Centre and its initiatives for grassroots innovation are an example of 'vocal for local'. They are instrumental in solving the problems of the people of the region, he said.
(Disclaimer: Additional background information has been added to this PTI copy for context)
Edited by Kanishk Singh