New Delhi, August 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought a lighter moment to the IIT Delhi convocation ceremony on Saturday when he referred to spiritual preacher Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, popularly known as Baba Bageshwar, while reflecting on the thoughts and aspirations of graduating students.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said different thoughts must be running through the minds of the students as they marked the completion of their academic journey.
“All of you are gathered here today, but there must be something going on in your hearts. Now, I am not Baba Bageshwar, but there must be something going on,” PM Modi said, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.
He said some students might be thinking about their future, salaries or starting their careers in new cities, while others could be considering entrepreneurship and start-up opportunities.
“Everyone has a different path and dreams, but one feeling must be mutual — recalling the first day in IIT Delhi and today. You must be feeling satisfied by your journey from orientation to convocation. You all should cherish this moment,” he said.
More than 3,000 students, including 587 PhD scholars, were awarded degrees during the ceremony. Congratulating the graduates, PM Modi said they were not merely receiving academic qualifications but were also taking forward the aspiration of contributing to the country.
“The way your families are feeling proud today, I am also proud of you all. You are not just taking a degree, but taking forward the dream of doing something for the country,” he said.
The Prime Minister also presented IIT Delhi’s prestigious academic honours to meritorious students, including the President’s Gold Medal, Director’s Gold Medal, Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal and Perfect Ten Gold Medal.
In another light-hearted moment, PM Modi remarked, “If some daughters were meritorious students, then it would have been much better. Sorry, not just some but many.”
He also urged the graduates to remember the people who supported them throughout their campus journey.
“Whenever life gives you a reason to look back, then this campus life, your friends, teachers and support staff — the ones who have become your families and home — you will remember all this and be thankful for everyone,” he said.
PM Modi also virtually inaugurated ‘Param Pragya’, an AI-powered high-performance supercomputing facility at IIT Delhi’s Sonipat campus. The facility is expected to enhance the institute’s capabilities in artificial intelligence, data science, advanced computing and interdisciplinary research.
FOLLOW NOW
