Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Friday, said India does not provoke any country, nor does it spare anyone who tries to harm its unity and integrity.

”The countries, which use terrorism as a tool, are now well aware of India’s capabilities,” he said in an obvious reference to Pakistan.

Addressing the convocation ceremony of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in Udupi, Karnataka, Rajnath said there has been a transformation in India’s global image under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India is now listened to with attention and seriousness on international platforms. “India has led the world on issues like terrorism and has been successful in garnering support to root out the menace,” he added.

Rajnath called upon the youth to innovate, develop new technologies and set up companies, research establishments and start-ups in the country to realise the Prime Minister’s vision of a strong and self-reliant ‘New India’.

“If Indians can help major firms grow across the globe, why can’t we set up top companies here?” he wondered and asked around 5,000 students in attendance to introspect and bring a transformative change in the country.

He credited the growing prowess of the Indian start-up ecosystem to the capabilities, talents and ignited minds of the youth.

“Earlier, there was no start-up ecosystem in the country. Before 2014, there were only around 400-500 start-ups. Today, the number has crossed 70,000. Of these, over 100 have become unicorns,” he added.

Rajnath exhorted the students to focus on gaining wisdom more than just acquiring knowledge from books. “Obtaining knowledge from books isn’t enough. Wisdom ensures the optimum use of that knowledge, which is crucial to take the country to greater heights. It frees from limitations such as incapacity, poverty, unemployment and backwardness. It widens the scope of thinking and sensibilities. It helps a person rise above selfish interests and work for social, national and global welfare,” he said.

The defence minister also urged the students to get acquainted with the rich cultural traditions of the country and strive to restore its glorious past.

“India was a pioneer in many fields such as science, economics, history, political science, and public administration. It slowly lost its glory due to foreign invasions. We must restore our past glory, for which economic progress is central,” he said.

On the National Education Policy 2020, he stated that the objective is to shape the young generation as global citizens through traditional and modern knowledge. “Youth is our most valuable asset and engine of growth. Our youth army will play an important role in achieving the target of a $5 trillion economy by 2025,” he said.