‘Degrees aren’t enough—be innovators,’ Rajnath Singh tells youth

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called Operation Sindoor a glowing testimony to India’s growing indigenous prowess which is a result of the government’s relentless efforts to create a self-reliant defence manufacturing ecosystem within the country.

Singh was speaking at the convocation ceremony of Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune, today. Expounding the importance of possessing qualities such as faith and perseverance to the students, Singh said that when the government commenced work to make India self-reliant in defence, it seemed difficult in the beginning, however, the efforts began to yield positive results.

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“We pledged to move towards transforming the defence sector because, since independence, we had been heavily dependent on other countries for weapons. We had become accustomed to purchasing weapons as we lacked the political will to manufacture in India, nor did we have the laws that promoted defence manufacturing. This required a change. It is our resolve that India manufactures indigenous weapons for its soldiers. The entire world witnessed the bravery of our soldiers during Operation Sindoor. They achieved the set objectives using a large amount of Made-in-India equipment,” stated the defence minister.

The defence minister urged the students to move beyond academic achievement and strive to become creators, innovators and contributors to national development, emphasising that true success lies not merely in acquiring degrees but in applying knowledge meaningfully for the benefit of society.

Highlighting the importance of skill development in shaping India’s future, Singh said, “We are no longer in the era of ‘What do you know?’. The world now asks, ‘What can you do?’ Knowledge that cannot be applied is incomplete. Skill is the bridge between learning and doing.”

Speaking about the impact of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), the defence minister dispelled fears about job loss and human redundancy, stating that AI will not replace humans, but those who use AI will replace those who don’t. “Technology must remain a tool, not a substitute for human sensitivity, values, and ethics,” he said, while also addressing the challenges posed by social media and external pressures. He exhorted the youth to follow their own dreams rather than get caught in comparisons.

“The next 20-25 years won’t just shape your careers, but also shape the destiny of the Nation. Let your ambition fuel the country’s transformation,” he added further.