Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal addressed the annual convocation of Amity University in Noida on Saturday, emphasising that a university’s greatest service lies in nurturing talent, creating opportunities for young minds to return, and offering platforms that recognise their potential. He congratulated the graduating batch of nearly 29,000 students, including online and on-campus learners, and said their achievements remained the true highlight of the ceremony.
Goyal noted the diverse opportunities available to students and praised the university’s commitment to merit, particularly through scholarships that support need-blind admissions. He welcomed the fact that half the student body comprises young women and acknowledged the institution’s strong culture of innovation, with students collectively holding more than 450 patents. He also highlighted that 50 faculty members are Ramalingaswami Fellows who have returned to serve in India.
Recalling Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy on Mahaparinirvan Diwas, the Minister underlined constitutional values of equality, social harmony and expanded opportunities. He stressed that education serves as the foundation for uplifting underprivileged communities and reminded graduates of their social and national responsibilities.
Goyal described the graduating cohort as an important part of India’s journey towards achieving developed-nation status by 2047. The coming 25 years, he said, will define India’s progress, and he urged students to push boundaries in their chosen fields and contribute meaningfully to national growth.
The Commerce Minister referred to the Prime Minister’s call for one lakh young people to consider public life and politics as a career, stating that public institutions need committed individuals who uphold integrity and inspire citizens to fulfil their responsibilities — towards their families, society, and the nation. He expressed hope that more universities would encourage students to better understand governance and public service, and suggested that institutions could consider enabling students to intern with elected representatives to gain firsthand exposure.
Recounting an early lesson from his computer classes — “garbage in, garbage out” — he said Indian politics needs more capable and values-driven individuals. He added that if motivated young people enter public life in greater numbers, India will advance faster than imagined. He reiterated the Prime Minister’s view that India’s future rests with the “can-do generation,” and said the youth will build the India of the future.
Goyal reminded students of the five guiding principles articulated by the Prime Minister during the Independence Day address in 2022, meant to steer the nation from 2022 to 2047 — from a $4 trillion economy to $35 trillion, and from a per-capita income of $2,500 to $20,000. He urged students to reflect on these principles and adopt those that resonate with them.
Goyal outlined the first pran as the resolve to build a developed India, calling on students to lead this defining era through innovation and excellence. The second pran focused on freeing India from a colonial mindset; he encouraged students to shed outdated thinking and suggested that universities consider adopting traditional Indian convocation attire. The third pran emphasised pride in India’s heritage, noting that the country’s strength lies in its values and ancient wisdom even as it modernises rapidly.
Highlighting the fourth pran — unity in diversity — he urged students to collaborate widely, build connections and look beyond personal circles. The fifth pran, the spirit of duty, reminded graduates that education must benefit not just the individual but also society and the nation. He encouraged them to contribute actively to Viksit Bharat 2047.
Goyal also acknowledged the contribution of teachers and parents, praising their dedication and support. He encouraged graduates to stay connected with their alma mater and express gratitude to their mentors.
As the graduates step into their professional journeys, the Minister said challenges and hardships are inevitable but expressed confidence that the education and values imparted by Amity University have prepared them well. He urged them to remain committed to nation-building and play a meaningful role in shaping a developed India.
