Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the nation is on a path where everyone, irrespective of religion, can be assured of their constitutional rights.
PM Modi, who was addressing Aligarh Muslim University on its centenary celebrations, said his government’s schemes for the poor were reaching all sections “without any religious bias” and asserted that when it came to the nation’s progress and development, it was important to set aside ideological differences.
“The country is heading towards a path where all citizens get the benefits of development without any bias. We are heading to a path where no one is left behind because of religion and everyone is able to fulfill their dreams,” said the Prime Minister.
“There can be ideological divides in society but when it comes to the nation’s development, everything else is secondary. When it comes to the nation, there is no question of ideological differences. It is logical for me to say this here because AMU produced many freedom fighters – they had their ideological differences but they set that aside for freedom. Like freedom united them, we have to work on common ground for ‘Naya Bharat’,” he said.
Aligarh Muslim University, the PM said, has two-fold responsibility and the ‘proud Aligs’ must hand showcase the best of India to the world. “Around 1000 foreign students come to the university to acquire education. The university must showcase the best of India to them so that they leave with a great idea of India. AMU has two-fold responsibility, on one hand enhancing your university’s soft power, and on the other hand contributing to nation building.”
He said the various departments and rich heritage of the varsity is an important component of India and acknowledged AMU’s role in contributing to PM Cares Fund and fighting the challenging times of Covid-19.
Stressing on the empowerment of Muslim women and self-reliance, PM Modi said that the school drop-out rate among Muslim girls has considerably reduced under his government. He also lauded the varsity’s help during Covid and said that its participation in donating to PM CARES fund shows its seriousness.
“School drop out rate among Muslim girls was more than 70 percent and this situation persisted for 70 years. In these circumstances, Govt started Swachh Bharat Mission, built toilets in villages and toilets for school-going girls. Now this rate has fallen to nearly 30 percent,” he said.
“In 100 years AMU has helped in strengthening bonds with other countries. Research on languages and Islam helps in fueling bonds with Islamic countries. You have to enhance the university soft power and on the other hand to fulfil the responsibility of nation-building,” PM Modi said during the virtual conference.
It is for the first time that PM Modi has attended the AMU event. The event also saw the presence of the Vice Chancellor Tariq Mansoor, Chancellor Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, MoS Sanjay Dhotre, Principal Women’s College Professor Naima Khatoon and MoE Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank.
Spoking about the government schemes and how they benefit all without discrimination, Modi said, “Under SBA, crores of toilets were built, which helped everyone. There was no discrimination. I want AMU student to focus on this part – at one time the drop out rate of Muslim women was more than 70%. It continued for 70 years. Under these circumstances SBA started, and government built toilets on mission mode.”
Modi said that growth and progress of the country should not be seen with the political glasses, “Fighting for freedom was common ground years ago. Similarly, we have to work on a common ground. For nation building we should rise above differences,” he said, adding, “Politics is an important part of society. But there are other components to it. Society is above politics and satta. Even after politics, there is enough space to work for the improvement of a society”.
He called for rising above differences and moving towards a society where one doesn’t lag behind because of religion. “More than what is our faith, it is important to join in the country’s growth. Sir Syed said something I want to remind. If you care about your country then work for all,” he added.
He also released a postal stamp during the event. AMU Chancellor Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin and Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank were also present on the occasion.
The last time a PM attended an event at AMU was Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1964. Before him, prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru had visited AMU four times. He visited the first time in 1948, when he an honorary doctorate was conferred on him at the annual convocation, followed by visits in 1955, 1960 and 1963.
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