Prime Minister Narendra Modi today exhorted students to come up with innovative solutions to various universal challenges, including climate change and global warming.
In his 35-minute address at the centenary convocation of Benaras Hindu University (BHU) in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi, Modi said for students the convocation should not be the end of education but the beginning of a lifelong quest for knowledge and solutions to problems.
“Why can’t one of you find a solution to the problem of sugarcane farmers of Uttar Pradesh by working on a cost-effective sugarcane-based ethanol for vehicles which will check vehicular pollution as well as provide a cheap alternative to people?” Modi said.
“We should think of how India can give innovative solutions to the problems facing mankind today,” he said.
Giving an example, he said Indians were better placed to look for a solution to the sickle cell disease rampant among tribal population in Gujarat.
Clarifying on why he refused the BHU offer to accept an honorary doctorate, Modi said Varanasi had already given him so much that he would not be able to repay its debt.
Earlier, he handed over certificates and medals to 34 students. Besides Modi, all other dignitaries, including HRD Minister Smirit Irani, were sporting yellow turbans and angvastram.
While Modi was leaving the venue, a student shouted that BHU student body elections had not been held. He was immediately overpowered by the police and later allegedly manhandled by BJP workers.
