Nirmala Sitharaman Encourages Youth to Prioritise Nation's Needs

In a call to action for younger generations, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged members of Generation Z and Generation Alpha to focus on the responsibilities they hold towards the nation. While addressing the 36th convocation of Dr M G R Educational & Research Institute in Chennai, she emphasised the importance of civic duty among young graduates.

Sitharaman underscored the need for aspiration among the youth, articulating that young people must think not only about what they can gain from the country but also about what they can contribute. "We are all ready to listen to what you have to say. But you must reflect on what is happening around you, what your role is, and what can be achieved for the country through you," she stated.

The Finance Minister highlighted the significance of leadership roles, appealing to the graduates to take the initiative in their respective fields. She reinforced that a strong and secure nation is crucial for a prosperous future, urging students to never relinquish their commitment to the country.

In her address, Sitharaman referenced ongoing global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and unrest in the Middle East, to stress the importance of national security. She noted that despite such global uncertainties, India has maintained macroeconomic stability and recorded significant economic growth attributed to the political leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Moreover, Sitharaman indicated that Tamil Nadu has become a pivotal industrial and technological hub, especially pointing out the Sriperumbudur-Oragadam corridor as a global centre for automobile manufacturing and smartphone exports. Nearly 350 Global Capability Centres are situated in Tamil Nadu, which is almost 10 per cent of the country's total. Coimbatore, in particular, has seen rapid growth, hosting about 80 centres which employ around 12,000 professionals.

To further support women in the workforce and promote their participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, she highlighted new provisions in the Union Budget aimed at establishing working women’s hostels in every district.

Concluding her address with wisdom from the famous Tamil text, the Thirukkural, Sitharaman advised graduates to embrace humility and approach challenges with patience rather than a sense of victimhood. "Only if the country remains secure and strong will we have a home to live in," she emphasised, leaving a resonating message with the young crowd gathered in Chennai.