Chennai News Highlights: India committed to creating solutions for global applications, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his fiery five-minute speech at Indian Institute of Technology, Madras today. Modi was delivering the convocation address for the 56th batch of the 60-year-old institution.

Message from Shri. #NarendraModi, Hon'ble Prime Minister of India
"As an institution of great repute with a focus on innovation and research, IIT Madras plays an important role in the roadmap towards a strong, technologically empowered, Prosperous New India".#convocation2019 pic.twitter.com/O2gGL35qOv

— IIT Madras (@iitmadras) September 30, 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at the 56th Convocation of IIT Madras: "There are two types of people. Those who live and those who merely exist. It is for you to decide. Do you want to exist or do you want to live life to the fullest? Consider a bottle of medicine well past its expiry date. Perhaps it's year is past. The bottle exists. Perhaps the packaging looks attractive. The medicine inside also exists. What is its use? Can life be like this? Live should be lively and purposeful. The best recipe for living a full life is to know to learn and understand and to live for others. As Swami Vivekananda rightly said, they alone live who live for others. Friends, your convocation ceremony indicates the conclusion of your current course of study but it is not the end of education. Education and learning is a continuous process. We live, we learn. I wish you all a bright future dedicated to the good of humanity. Thank you and all the best."

Addressing bright young minds at @iitmadras convocation. Watch. https://t.co/Tsw37pT7de

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 30, 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at the 56th Convocation of IIT Madras: "Many of the diseases that affect a large section of people in the new future will not be contagious diseases. It will be lifestyle diseases like hypertension, diabetes type 2, obesity and stress. When technology comes together with data finds, medicine, interesting insights can emerge. Interesting things that can be done to reverse fate. Can technology answer these questions? Will IIT students take this up? I talk about fitness and healthcare because high achievers like you will run work, neglecting health care because of your work. I urge you to take part in the Fit India Movement by furthering healthcare."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at the 56th Convocation of IIT Madras:  "When you started preparations for IIT, remember how tough things looked. Your hard work made the impossible possible. What looks impossible today is only waiting for your first step to reach. The beauty of human endeavor lies in human possibility. Never stop dreaming and keep challenging yourself. That way, you will keep evolving and become a better version of oneself. Friends, there are great opportunities waiting for you when you step out of the institution. Make good use of those opportunities. No matter where you work or live, keep the needs of your motherland in your mind. Your Mother India. Think of how your work could help your fellow Indians. It is your social responsibility and makes immense business sense. Can you find the most effective way to recycle water at home? Today as a society, we want to move beyond single-use plastic. This is when we look at our young innovators like you."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at the 56th Convocation of IIT Madras: "Today India is aspiring to become a $5 trillion economy and your aspirations of technology and innovation will fuel this dream. It will become a bedrock of India's big leap into a more competitive economy. Friends, IIT Madras is an example of how a decade-old institution can transform itself to meet the expectations of the 21st century. A while ago, I visited the research center. It is the first such effort in the country. I saw an extremely vibrant start-up ecosystem today. I was told that 200 start-ups are incubated today. It was good fortune to see some of them. I saw efforts in electric mobility, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), healthcare and more. All these start-ups should create unique Indian brands which will create a mark in the future. Indian innovation is a blend of economy and utility. IIT Madras is born of that tradition.

Researchers take tough problems and come up with solutions that are accessible for all. I am told that students intern with start-ups and write codes from their rooms, that too without food or sleep. Except for hunger and no sleep, I hope that the spirit of innovation and pursuing it continues in the time to come. Friends, we have worked to create a robust ecosystem for rebirth and development in our country. Friends, Artificial Intelligence and state-of-the-art technologies are now being introduced. Once the students come to an institution like yours and want to work on innovation, there are Atal incubation centers being created in many institutions.

IIT Madras is a prime example of how a decade-old Institution can transform itself to meet the need and aspirations of the 21st century: PM @narendramodi while addressing the 56th Convocation of IIT Madras in Chennai pic.twitter.com/Ig287u9Zt9

— PIB India (@PIB_India) September 30, 2019

The start-up India program is designed to help you meet the challenge. In order to promote Research and Development in the country, we have created the Prime Minister's Research Fellowship scheme. Because of these efforts, India is one of the top three start-up friendly systems. This rise is powered by people from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and rural India. In start-ups, the language you speak matters far less than the code name. The power of surname does not matter when you have the ability to create your own name. What matters is your merit."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speech at the 56th Convocation of IIT Madras: "Friends this is a remarkable institution. I am told that here the mountains move and the rivers are stationary. We are in the state of Tamil Nadu which has a special distinction. It is home to the oldest language in the world, Tamil and it is home to one of the newest languages in India, the IIT Madras lingo. There is a lot that you will miss. You will surely miss Sarang and Shaastra. You will miss your wingmen and there are some things you will not miss. You can now buy top quality footwear without any fear.

Friends, you are indeed fortunate you are passing out from a fantastic institute when the world is looking at India as a land of unique opportunities. I've just returned from America. During this visit, I met many leaders, business leaders, and innovators. In our discussions, there was optimism about new India and confidence in the abilities of the young people of India. Friends, the Indian community has made a mark for itself all over the world. Especially in science technology and innovation.

Who is powering this? A lot of them are your IIT seniors. Thus, you are making brand India stronger globally. These days, I interact with young officers clearing their UPSC exams. The number of IIT graduates will surprise both you and me. Thus, you are also making India a more developed place. Go to the corporate world and you will see many who studied in IIT. Thus, you are also making India more prosperous.

Friends, I see the foundation of the 21st century resting on three crucial pillars of innovation, teamwork, and technology. Each of these complements each other. I just came from the India-Singapore hackathon. Innovators from India and Singapore were working together. They were working for finding solutions. They were devoting their energy to one goal. They were from different backgrounds and cultures but all were working towards solutions, not just for India and Singapore but for the whole world. This is the power of the three pillars. It manifests itself not as a select few but for everyone."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at the 56th Convocation of IIT Madras: "Shri Banwarilal Purohit Governor of Tamil Nadu, Edappadi K Palaniswami Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, my colleague Ramesh Pokhriyal, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, Chairman, Board of Governors, Pawan Goenka, members the Board of Governor, Director Professor Ramoorthy, the faculty, guests and my young friends who are standing. My friends who are standing on the threshold of a golden future. It is a great pleasure to be here today. In front of me, there is both a mini India and the spirit of the new India. There is energy, vibrancy, and positivity. I can see the dreams of the future in your eyes.

I can see the future of India in your eyes. Friends, I want to congratulate the parents of those graduating. Imagine their pride and joy. They have struggled, they have sacrificed to bring you to this juncture in your lives. They have given you your wings so that you can take flight. This pride is also reflected in the eyes of your teachers. They have created, through their untiring efforts not just good engineers but also good citizens. I also want to highlight the role of the support staff, the silent behind-the-scenes people who prepared your food, kept your classrooms clean, kept your hostels clean. In your success, they too have a role to play."

Addressing the graduating batch from IIT-Madras, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his convocation address to young graduates at the campus today. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the prize distribution ceremony, where he bestowed medals to toppers of the graduating batch of IITians during the 56th convocation ceremony at IIT-M today.

With IIT-M celebrating 60 years of establishment this year, the convocation ceremony for its 56th batch of graduating IITians is underway at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras today. 

The 56th convocation is underway at IIT-M with Tamil Nadu's State song, Tamil Thaai Vazhthu. The event is presided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and Union Minister for Human Resource Development Ramesh Pokhriyal among others at the Students Activity Centre today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at the Singapore-India Hackathon 2019  (2/2):

"Friends, I have also been told last year that the focus of Hackathon was competition. This time the teams consist of students of both countries who worked together to solve problems. It can safely said we have moved from competition to collaboration. This is the strength we jointly bear to solve the challenges both our countries face. Friends hackathon like these are great for youngsters. Participants get access to the state of the art of technology for the solution of global problems and they have to do in a time frame. Participants can test their innovative ideas, their strength and I firmly believe the solutions found in today's hackathon are the start-up ideas for tomorrow.

We in India have been doing the smart India hackathon for the past few years. This initiative brings together government departments, People associated with Industry and other premium Industries. We incubate funds and handhold solutions from the smart India hackathon and try converting them into start-ups. On similar lines, I hope the NTU, MHRD, AICTE will possibly join and create a venture on ideas from this joint hackathon.

Friends, today India is poised to grow into a five trillion dollar economy. For that innovation and start-ups will play a crucial role. Already, India is among the top three friendly start-up ecosystems. During the last five years, we have given great emphasis to encourage innovation and incubation. Programs like Atal Innovation mission, PM research fellowship, start-up India Abhyaan are the foundation of 21st century India and India that promotes culture of innovation. We are now trying to give exposure to modern technology like Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence to our students as early as in sixth grade. From school to research in higher education, an eco-system is being created that becomes medium for innovation.

Friends, we are encouraging innovation and incubation for two big reasons, one is we want easy solution for India's problems to make life easier and another, we in India want to find solution for the whole of the world. 'Indian solution for Global applications' is our goal and commitment. We would also like our cost-effective solutions to be available to solve the needs of the poorest countries. India innovation of the most poorest and deprived no matter where they live.

Friends, I genuinely believe technology unites people even across countries, across continents. I welcome the suggestion of Minister Yong, let me take this opportunity to propose a similar hackathon involving those Asian countries that may be interested in participating in support with NTU, the government of Singapore and the government of India. Let best friends in Asian countries compete to offer innovative solutions for global warming and climate change. To conclude, I once again congratulate all the participants and the organizers for making this initiative a grant success. You are in Chennai which offers rich culture, great heritage, and food. I request all participants especially our friends from Singapore to enjoy their stay in Chennai. Take this opportunity to Vist place like Mahabalipuram which is famous for stone carving and stone temples. They are classified as UNESCO world heritage site, thank you very much."

The 'ancient language' of Tamil now reverberates across the US following my remarks at the United Nations last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Monday. “When I spoke in Tamil in the US and about the heritage of the Tamil language, it was received well and it is now reverberating across the US,” Modi told BJP cadres at Chennai airport.

READ | Modi addresses BJP cadres at Chennai airport

After addressing the participants and winners of the recently concluded Singapore-Chennai Hackathon 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a took of the sprawling IIT-M campus in Chennai. Modi will soon be delivering the 56th convocation address of the institute today.

Interacting with young innovators at the #SingaporeIndiaHackathon. Watch. https://t.co/NBuTlMymcL

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 30, 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at the Singapore-India Hackathon 2019 (1/2):

"Friends we have been working non-stop for the last 36 hours to solve challenging problems. Hats-off to you and your energy. I don't see fatigue, I see the satisfaction of a task well accomplished. The sense of satisfaction also comes from Chennai's special break-fast (Idly, Dhosa Sambar, Vada). The hospitality offered by Chennai is extra-ordinary in its warmth. Visitors from Singapore must have enjoyed Chennai. Friends, I congratulate the winners of Hackathon and I congratulate each and every friend assembled here, particularly my student friends.

Your willingness to confront, find a workable solution, your energy, your enthusiasm is a much greater value than winning a competition. My young friends, I especially like the solution about cameras to detect who is paying attention. Now, what will happen you know? I will talk to my speaker in the parliament and I'm sure it will be very useful for the parliament. For me each of you is a winner, you are winners because you are not afraid of taking risks, you are committed to your efforts without worrying about the reasons. I will also take this opportunity to congratulate Ye Kung Ong, the Singapore Education Minister for extending help and support for making this India-Singapore Hackathon 2019 event a grand success. I had suggested this idea of a joint-hackathon during a previous visit trip to Singapore. Last year, the Hackathon was organized at Nanyang Technical University in Singapore, now it is organized at the historical ITT Madras campus."

Speaking at the Singapore - India Hackathon 2019 event, Ye Kung Ong, Minister for Education, Singapore said "This is my second trip to India, It's wonderful to be back here. Our relationship with India is multi-faceted. Economically, 8.000 Indian companies are in Singapore, Indians are building Singapore for us and we value that. In Tamil Nadu, some of our big companies are present here, many Singaporeans are working here."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras campus. Modi arrived at the campus via chopper. Modi will be addressing participants of the Singapore India Hackathon, 2019 which concluded on Sunday. He will also take part in the prize distribution ceremony for the winners.

Earlier today, the Prime Minister had addressed cadres assembled at the Chennai International Airport and expressed his happiness upon arriving in Chennai following his re-election to office this year.

Addressing the assembled cadres after landing at the Chennai International Airport, Prime Minister Modi greeted them with the traditional Tamil greeting 'Vanakkam' and said, "This is my first visit to Chennai after being re-elected to office this year. I was supposed to deliver a speech at IIT-M today but after seeing the cadres assembled here to welcome me to the city, I have decided to address you all here. I am extremely happy and grateful for the welcome that I have received today."

Addressing the cadres, Modi spoke about his visit to USA and said, "When I spoke in Tamil in USA and I spoke about the heritage of the Tami language it was received well and it is reverberating across USA."  "During my (just concluded) US tour I saw the world has great expectations from India, which is growing... we will certainly ensure the welfare of India, and swiftly, but we will make it such a great nation that it will be useful for the world," he said. He added that it was the responsibility of the people to avoid the usage of single-use plastic in the country. "We will be undertaking a pad yatra (journey by foot) and visit people in cities and villages and educate them about the ban on single-use plastic", said Modi.  

Speaking at Chennai Airport. Watch. https://t.co/7qWBSkMO5R

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 30, 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Chennai International Airport at 09:15 am. Modi was welcomed to the city by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, senior BJP leader Pon Radhakrishnan and several ministers and MLAs from AIADMK and BJP today.  Modi will be taking a helicopter to reach the IIT-M campus at Sardar Patel road in a few minutes.

Preparations are underway at the IIT-M campus ahead of Modi's convocation speech for the graduting batch of the institute today.

Ahead of his convocation address on Monday for the graduating batch of IITians, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter on Sunday and urged twitterati to give him suggestions for his speech. "I also call upon all of you, especially IITians and IIT alumni to share their ideas for my speech' (sic), tweeted Modi.

Tomorrow I would be in Chennai for the convocation ceremony of @iitmadras. I look forward to being with some of India’s brightest minds. I also call upon all of you, especially IITians and IIT alumni to share their ideas for my speech. Do so on the Open Forum on the NaMo App.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 29, 2019

Ahead of Prime Minister Modi's visit to the IIT-M campus, security has been stepped in areas surrounding the campus, withe vehicles entering and exiting the campus being subject to stringent checks. Over 2000 Chennai City Police have been deployed and posted at vantage points on the roads leading to the IIT-M campus, with a three-tier security put in place at the Chennai International Airport. 

Traffic along Sardar Patel road is expected to remain unaffected, given that the Prime Minister will be flying in and out of the campus using a chopper.

Prime Minister Modi will be flying in and out of the IIT-M campus during his visit today. Modi will be arriving at the Chennai International Airport a little after 9 am, following which he will be taking a chopper to the the campus on Sardar Patel Road. The Prime Minister is expected to depart from Chennai after 1 pm.

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