New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday emphasised that the education system plays a vital role in preparing India’s youth for the future, and the government is actively working to modernise it. Speaking at the YUGM Innovation Conclave held at Bharat Mandapam, he underlined the need to accelerate the journey from an idea to a prototype and finally to a product.
He stressed that India must focus on cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, space technology, health technology, advanced analytics, and synthetic biology. PM Modi proudly noted that India is now a global leader in AI development and adoption.
The prime minister said the New National Education Policy was designed to meet global standards and bring major reforms to the Indian education system. He highlighted that this policy aligns with the needs of the 21st century and aims to equip students with relevant skills and knowledge.
Reaffirming the goal of making India a developed nation within the next 25 years, PM Modi urged for faster transitions in innovation, from labs to markets. He explained that quicker application of research outcomes benefits the public, motivates researchers, and ensures value addition. “This speed boosts the entire cycle of research, innovation, and development,” he said.
PM Modi called for a strong research ecosystem in India. He urged academic institutions, investors, and industries to work closely with researchers and provide the support they need. He praised the growing capabilities of young Indians, who are now excelling in research and development across multiple fields.
Major Tech Milestones
The prime minister celebrated some of India’s recent technological achievements. He mentioned the successful construction of the world’s longest hyperloop test track—422 metres long—built by IIT Madras in partnership with Indian Railways. He also appreciated innovations like nanotechnology from IISc Bangalore that can control light at the nano-scale, and the development of “brain-on-a-chip” technology that can store and process data using over 16,000 conduction states in a molecular film.
PM Modi proudly highlighted the creation of India’s first indigenous MRI machine, completed just weeks ago.
He quoted Sanskrit scriptures, stating that true life lies in service and selflessness, and added that science and technology should also be tools to serve humanity.
Educational Reforms and Digital Platforms
The prime minister discussed key educational reforms, including the development of the National Curriculum Framework, updated learning materials, and new textbooks for Classes 1 to 7. He spoke about the government’s efforts to create a modern and inclusive digital education infrastructure through platforms like PM e-Vidya and DIKSHA, under the initiative ‘One Nation, One Digital Education Infrastructure’. These platforms now support textbooks in over 30 Indian languages and 7 foreign languages.
He also introduced the National Credit Framework, which allows students to study multiple subjects at once, giving them flexibility and new career opportunities.
Investment in Research and Development
PM Modi highlighted that India’s spending on research and development has more than doubled—from ₹60,000 crore in 2013-14 to over ₹1.25 lakh crore now. The government has built advanced research parks and set up Research and Development Cells in nearly 6,000 higher education institutions across the country.
Expansion of Atal Tinkering Labs and Global Partnerships
He shared that more than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs are already running across India, giving young students early exposure to innovation and technology. The government plans to add 50,000 more labs as announced in this year’s budget.
PM Modi also noted that top global universities are now setting up campuses in India, which will boost international academic collaboration and provide Indian students with more learning opportunities.
He concluded by stating, “The trinity of Talent, Temperament, and Technology will shape India’s future.”
About the YUGM Conclave
YUGM, derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “confluence,” is a first-of-its-kind strategic event bringing together leaders from the government, academia, industry, and the innovation ecosystem. The conclave aims to attract large-scale private investment in innovation and fast-track the journey from research to real-world application in deep tech sectors.
Throughout the day, the conclave hosted high-level roundtables and panel discussions with key stakeholders. It also featured a deep tech startup showcase, action-focused dialogues, and exclusive networking sessions to promote partnerships and collaborations across various sectors.
