Amit Shah linked Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of national reconstruction with India@2047, urging young graduates to help build a modern and prosperous India while preserving its core values.
Amit Shah Addresses Gujarat Vidyapith Convocation
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Thursday linked Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of rebuilding India with the Narendra Modi government’s goal of taking the country to the forefront of the world by 2047.
Addressing the 72nd convocation of Gujarat Vidyapith in Ahmedabad, Shah told graduating students that their generation would be among those witnessing the centenary of India’s independence in 2047.
He said India’s transformation should focus on modernisation while preserving the principles and values that have shaped the country for thousands of years.
Gandhi’s Idea of ‘Reconstruction’
Shah highlighted Gandhi’s deliberate use of the term “reconstruction” rather than “new construction” for India.
According to Shah, the distinction reflects the idea that India does not need to abandon its foundational principles in its pursuit of modernity. Instead, the country can modernise while retaining its traditional values and identity.
He said Gandhi’s vision included Gram Swaraj, village prosperity and cooperation, and added that the Modi government was also working in these areas.
Shah described the period from 2014 to 2026 as a phase of reconstruction guided by national strength, prosperity, security, self-reliance and morality in leadership.
India@2047 Vision Focuses on Youth
Connecting the vision with India’s centenary of independence, Shah said the young graduates attending the convocation would be the generation that witnesses India@2047.
He said India should aim to become number one in the world across different fields by the time it completes 100 years of independence.
However, Shah stressed that national progress should not be limited to India’s own interests. He said a powerful and prosperous India should use its strength responsibly and ensure that its development contributes to the welfare of its citizens as well as people suffering around the world.
Education Central to India’s Future
Shah also connected the country’s future development with Gandhi’s approach to education.
He said the National Education Policy 2020 is based on five pillars: mother tongue, skills, multidisciplinary education, the Indian knowledge tradition and holistic personality development.
According to Shah, these principles closely correspond with the educational philosophy associated with Gujarat Vidyapith.
He also recalled Gandhi’s use of practical experiments to put his ideas into action, citing movements including the Non-Cooperation Movement, Dandi March and Quit India Movement, along with his commitment to non-violence.
Gujarat Vidyapith’s Role in Gandhi’s Vision
Gujarat Vidyapith was established on October 18, 1920, as part of the wider effort to create an Indian system of education and strengthen the foundations of Swaraj.
Shah recalled that Gandhi served as the institution’s founding Chancellor. He also mentioned prominent figures including Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Rajendra Prasad and Morarji Desai, who later served as Chancellors.
He praised the institution’s continuation of its “Acharya tradition” under current Chancellor Acharya Devvrat, saying the Vidyapith had continued efforts to follow the path shown by Gandhi.
Key Takeaways
- Amit Shah addressed Gujarat Vidyapith’s 72nd convocation in Ahmedabad.
- He linked Gandhi’s idea of “reconstruction” with India’s development vision for 2047.
- Shah urged youth to contribute to building a modern and prosperous India.
- He highlighted Gram Swaraj, village prosperity and cooperation.
- He connected the National Education Policy 2020 with Gandhi’s educational principles.
- Gujarat Vidyapith was established in 1920 with Gandhi as its founding Chancellor.
