‘If I speak in my own language, I will become inferior.’ :Amit Shah in 72nd convocation ceremony of Gujarat Vidyapith.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addresses the 72nd convocation ceremony of Gujarat Vidyapith in Ahmedabad. Established on October 18, 1920, Gujarat Vidyapith became a centre of research for developing the Indian education system through continuous experimentation.

• Gandhi Ji spoke not of ‘Navnirman’, but of ‘Punar-nirman’, guided by this spirit, the Modi Government is taking the country forward by making culture, prosperity, security, self-reliance, and ethics in leadership the foundation of its progress.

• True education is that which gives skill to the hands, sensitivity to the heart, and knowledge along with conscience to the mind.

Gandhi Ji believed that freedom would remain incomplete without our indigenous language, culture and labour, Swaraj cannot be achieved without one's own language.

Appeal to the youth: Set goals not merely for yourself, but for the nation, society and the poor, no matter how many difficulties arise, you will never become disheartened. There is no mindset more sinful than the one that says, ‘If I speak in my own language, I will become inferior.’” Language connects us with the values of our country, its history and our roots

1. Purpose-Driven Goal Setting for Youth

• Advised graduating students to set life goals dedicated to the nation, society, and the poor—rather than personal or familial gains—to avoid disappointment and maintain resilience against setbacks. Urged students to evaluate tasks based on whether they are "worth doing" rather than questioning whether they "can be done."

2. Historical Legacy of Gujarat Vidyapith & Gandhian Philosophy

• Highlighted the institution’s founding by Mahatma Gandhi on October 18, 1920, serving as a hub for freedom strategy alongside stalwarts like Acharya J.B. Kripalani and Kaka Saheb Kalelkar.

• Stated that Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy, rooted in Indian values, remains relevant for the next century and serves as a roadmap for global welfare.

• Emphasized Gandhi’s 11 vows (including Swadeshi, non-violence, and physical labour) and his opposition to religious conversion, noting students pledged to live by their Swadharma.

3. Holistic Education & The National Education Policy (NEP 2020)

• Defined the true objective of education as aligning the hands (skills), heart (sensitivity), and mind (wisdom and discernment) to foster humility rather than arrogance.

• Five Pillars of NEP 2020: Reaffirmed that NEP 2020 restores traditional Indian knowledge systems combined with modern global advancements across five core pillars:

  1. Mother tongue instruction

  2. Skill development

  3. Multidisciplinary learning

  4. Indian knowledge tradition

  5. Holistic personality development

4. Avoiding the Seven Social Sins

Urged the youth to remain conscious of Mahatma Gandhi's Seven Social Sins to prevent societal evils:

1. Politics without principles

2. Business without morality

3. Wealth without labour

4. Pleasure without conscience

5. Knowledge without character

6. Science without humanity

7. Worship without sacrifice

   Mahatma Gandhi described religious conversion as a sin and inspired every individual to live according to their ‘Swadharma’

5. Swadeshi, Khadi, and Rural Development

• Growth of Khadi: Emphasized that Khadi represents a national philosophy of self-reliance, pointing out that Khadi and Village Industries turnover expanded from ₹31,000 crore in 2013–14 to ₹1.87 lakh crore in 2025–26.

“My mother made me take a lifelong pledge to wear khadi,” said Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The turnover of Khadi and Village Industries was ₹31,000 crore in 2013–14, which increased to ₹1.87 lakh crore in 2025–26.

• Gram Swaraj & Cleanliness: Highlighted government initiatives driving rural prosperity, cooperation, and nationwide sanitation (expanding toilet access to every household).

• Language Pride: Stressed that preserving one's native language connects citizens to their roots, values, and culture without creating feelings of inferiority.

Noted that India is undergoing a cultural and economic Punar-Nirman (reconstruction)—modernizing while remaining anchored to thousands of years of core principles. Reiterated PM Narendra Modi’s vision for India to lead globally across all sectors by 2047, directing national strength and prosperity toward global welfare and universal peace.