IIT and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’
Editorial
Without spiritual development, it is simply impossible to achieve national development through intellectual development alone !
Organisations globally have always been envious of the Indian intellect. It has been said from time to time that the United States has thrived on the strength of talented Indians. The IITs (Indian Institute of Technology) have produced thousands of engineers who are making their mark in various fields around the world. Until a few years ago, very little efforts were applied to bring this Indian intellect to work for the interest of their own motherland. Only until recently, the slogan of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) is being chanted in every corner of the country. On one hand, the boycott of Chinese goods is on the rise, and on the other, ambitious nationalist Government schemes like ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ are being implemented as an attempt to make the small line (India) appear bigger without touching the big line (China). Through this medium, as assistance, Indians are being given financial, educational and other incentives as support to start businesses in various fields. Through this, there is a hope that tomorrow’s India will be able to stand on its own feet and become strong and self-reliant.
Importance of IIT Kanpur
Creating awareness is of utmost importance to inculcate the doctrine of ‘Self-reliance’ in society. Otherwise, if we look at the direction of conventional or to be specific, even social thinking in the last 2-3 decades, then we can see that as soon as children get higher education and a well-paying job in a multinational or foreign establishment, the parents are satisfied and feel relieved of their duties. These are the Indian children who strive for the prosperity of multinationals or foreign establishments. Hence, the benefits accrued will directly benefit the development of the country concerned. Attempts are being made at the Government and private levels to inculcate the culture of ‘Self-reliant India’ in the ideological stream of today’s Indian society. From that perspective, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech on the 28th of December at the world-famous IIT Kanpur situated in the industrially thriving city in the western Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Kanpur was truly inspiring for the youth. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath was also present at the convocation ceremony of IIT Kanpur along with the PM. The importance of this institute is understood by the fact that a person of the stature of the likes of Prime Minister was present for the ceremony. Founded in the year 1959, IIT Kanpur has always been one of the top 5 best engineering colleges in the country since its inception ! In the 1970s, IIT Kanpur was the only Indian university that was American aided. In 2014, when cricketer Sachin Tendulkar received the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award, Professor CNR Rao was also honoured with the same award. This professor was working in IIT Kanpur for many years. Such examples are enough to prove the uniqueness of this premium engineering college.
Be ‘truly’ Atmanirbhar !
When interacting with the talented students of IIT Kanpur on 28th December, the Prime Minister conveyed a very important message to them through his warm and enthusiastic words. PM said, “Twenty five years from now (i.e. in the year 2047), India will complete 100 years of independence. I can foresee your faces as an integral part in the development of India in these two and a half decades.” With these words, Modi filled these new engineers with enthusiasm. It was important for Modi to give this direction. This is because most of the students who have passed out of IITs move to the US and other western countries. By getting annual packages worth crores of rupees at such an early stage of their careers prompt them to pursue a ‘cushious career’ abroad. Many of these IITians spend their lives immersed in intellectual pleasures and prestige. But actually, such intellectuals will not undergo an all-round development, in fact, we can say that they will go to great lengths to behave as per the definition of materialistic development as coined by the westerners. Therefore, how can the system of national development, made on the strength of such intellectuals be all-round ? Such development is hollow and its fruits are being reaped by advanced nations like the USA, Canada, France, Germany, England, etc. All amenities are present, however, the human mind is devoid of that state of happiness which can make use of those amenities to its maximum extent. Because of this very reason, western society has delved into the depths of bad tendencies like sorrow, dissatisfaction, pride, comparison, jealousy, etc. Therefore, the development that they have achieved is superficial. Because of this, problems like murder, suicide, drug abuse, family quarrels, divorce, etc. have increased to great extents in these countries. That is why intellectual development is meaningless without spiritual development, this is what we would like to say regarding this. In relation to this, the consecration ceremony was the right step; but the next generation needs to be taught from their childhood itself about Dharmacharan (Abiding by Dharma) and Sadhana (Spiritual practice), and not only means to gain money. If efforts are made in this direction, only then will India become a superpower & be ‘Atmanirbhar’ by 2047 in the truest sense, otherwise, there is a danger of losing direction ! We would like to take the opportunity to tell today’s engineers that you should not forget Hindu Dharma while following Indian ideals ! Do sadhana by practicing Dharma and also work on the important task of trying to develop the nation along with yourself ! Be truly self-reliant !