Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Shri Anurag Singh Thakur graces the third convocation of Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development in Chennai
India consumes more than 12 times the mobile data consumed in 2015, Thanks to Digital India campaign : Shri Thakur
India ranks third globally in the startup ecosystem with about 77,000 startups and 100 unicorns : Shri Thakur
Encourages the Students to Pursue Clear Goals and Active Involvement in Sports
Have clear goals in life, as there are no free throws in life like in sports : Shri Thakur
The Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development  held its third convocation in Sriperumbudur today, which was graced by the presence of the Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Information & Broadcasting. Prof. Sibnath Deb, Director of RGNIYD, welcomed the Minister and the attendees and provided an overview of the institute's activities. A total of 877 candidates received their degrees in today's convocation ceremony.
While addressing the graduating students Shri Anurag Thakur highlighted India's remarkable growth in digital transformation. Digital India campaign was launched in 2015. Now India consumes more than 12 times the mobile data consumed in 2015. India now ranks number one in mobile data consumption in the world.
He said that India ranks third globally in the startup ecosystem and has about 77,000 startups and around 100 unicorns. He also noted that many companies are shifting their manufacturing to India and India is now the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world. He highlighted that new technologies like 4G, 5G and upcoming 6G are all made in India. He said that India is the 7th country in the world to launch a National Quantum mission. We are among the global leaders in digital payments. UPI has strengthened India's digital payment infrastructure. India's innovations are now talked about on the global stage.
Shri Thakur emphasised that good education is the foundation of success and knowledge is power. He encouraged the youth to continue learning throughout their life, as they are the drivers of the country. He wished the students success in their future endeavours. He emphasised that it is a proud moment for the students as they enter a new phase of life. Shri Thakur advised the students to have clear goals in life, as there are no free throws in life like in sports.
He further urged the students to be actively involved in sports as it makes one physically and mentally strong, imparts good leadership skills, and helps to overcome the ups and downs in life. Shri Thakur expressed his concern over the sedentary lifestyle of the students and encouraged them to engage in physical activities.
Shri Thakur praised RGNIYD for introducing new and innovative job-oriented programs and highlighted its contribution to providing skilled manpower to the IT industry. He reiterated the government's commitment to skill development and urged the institution to introduce new courses to promote entrepreneurship in the country.
In his welcome address, Prof. Sibnath Deb emphasised that RGNIYD is working towards the vision of our Prime Minister, which is synchronous with the divergent realities. RGNIYD has taken constructive efforts during the last three years, to address issues and aid the aspirations of the young millennials, in charting out their futures. In accordance with the new education policy of 2020, RGNIYD is enthusiastic in creating an academic ambience, which is inter-disciplinary and based on the interests of the current youth.
Prof. Sibnath Deb shared about his efforts for the holistic developments of RGNIYD, in the spirit of “Nation First, Always First”, popularised by our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The mission of the institution is achieved through quality education, research, training, and outreach activities in partnership with credible academic institutions, industries, and community-based organisations in addition to emphasising documentation and knowledge dissemination. Prof. Sibnath Deb listed the achievements of the institute from 2020 till date. He also wished the graduating students for their bright future.
Shri Nitesh Kumar Mishra, Joint Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India is the guests of honour for the convocation.
About the Institute:
Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development  is an institution of national importance established by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in 1993. RGNIYD is the first institute in South Asia to focus on youth issues, youth development prospects, and impart skill-based training programs among youth. The vision of the institute is to enhance the potential of youth in the country.
RGNIYD is a first-of-its-kind institute based on youth development and is also functioning as a think-tank of the Ministry and an organisation of youth-related activities. The institute also gave India's first of its kind "India Youth Development Index," which was completely prepared by the RGNIYD. The institute offers various academic programs at the postgraduate and doctorate levels, which provide a platform for the youth to acquire knowledge, develop skills, and achieve their goals.