PM Modi showcases bold educational vision at YUGM innovation conclave
New Delhi, Apr 29: “We are modernising the country’s education system according to the needs of the 21st century,” declared Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the YUGM Innovation Conclave at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Monday. The Prime Minister’s speech was a robust endorsement of educational transformation as the engine for India’s innovation-driven future. At the heart of Modi’s address was the government’s sweeping reform of India’s education system. “A new National Education Policy has been introduced in the country,” he said, highlighting that the policy was “prepared keeping in mind the global standards of education.” He described it as a foundational step toward equipping India’s youth for the demands of a rapidly evolving world.
From curriculum to research infrastructure, Modi detailed a wide-ranging vision. “The National Curriculum Framework, Learning Teaching Materials, and new textbooks for Classes 1 to 7 have been developed,” he said. Emphasising accessibility, he noted that “AI-based and scalable digital education infrastructure under PM e-Vidya and DIKSHA has enabled textbook creation in over 30 Indian languages and seven foreign languages.”
On the role of universities, the Prime Minister said: “India’s university campuses are emerging as dynamic centres where Yuvashakti drives breakthrough innovations.” He cited growing global recognition: “India had only 9 institutions in QS rankings in 2014; now we have 46. More than 90 Indian universities are listed among the 2,000 institutions in the Higher Education Impact Rankings.” Access to world-class research, Modi noted, is becoming more democratic: “One Nation, One Subscription has given the youth the confidence that the government understands their needs. Today, students pursuing higher education have easy access to world-class research journals.”
Research and innovation were central themes throughout the Prime Minister’s speech. “We are working on the vision of Make AI in India. And our aim is—Make AI work for India,” he said, announcing the launch of new AI super hubs at IIT Kanpur and IIT Bombay. These centres will focus on intelligent systems, biosciences, biotechnology, and med-tech. He cited key milestones, including India’s first indigenous MRI machine and IISc Bangalore’s nano-technology breakthroughs.
“The trinity of Talent, Temperament and Technology will transform India’s future,” Modi asserted, pointing to initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs—10,000 of which are already active, with 50,000 more in the pipeline. “Internship cells have been set up in over 7,000 institutions, and the PM Vidya Lakshmi scheme provides financial support to students,” he added.
Modi also emphasised India’s growing global academic footprint: “Indian institutions are establishing campuses abroad—IIT Delhi in Abu Dhabi, IIT Madras in Tanzania, and IIM Ahmedabad soon in Dubai. Simultaneously, top global universities are opening campuses in India.” Citing the increased investment in research, Modi stated, “Gross expenditure on R&D has more than doubled—from Rs 60,000 crore in 2013-14 to over Rs 1.25 lakh crore today.” He praised the Rs 50,000 crore National Research Foundation and stressed the value of speeding the path from laboratory to market. “It is crucial that the journey from idea to prototype to product is completed in the shortest time possible,” he said.
The Prime Minister concluded his address by applauding the Wadhwani Foundation and its founder, Romesh Wadhwani, for their work in advancing education and research. “Science and technology should also serve as mediums for service,” he said, quoting Sanskrit scriptures on selfless living.
He lauded Wadhwani’s personal journey—from partition displacement to global entrepreneurship—and his choice to give back to India’s education sector. “The dedication of Shri Romesh Wadhwani to India’s education and research sectors is exemplary,” Modi said, citing contributions to school education, Agri-Tech, and AI applications. The YUGM Innovation Conclave marks a Rs 1,400 crore collaborative push between the Wadhwani Foundation and government institutions. It aims to catalyse private investment, accelerate deep-tech research, and integrate academia-industry-government partnerships. “Initiatives like YUGM can revitalise India’s innovation landscape,” Modi concluded.
