Education and Self-Reliance Are the Foundations of a Strong India: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Udaipur

Jaipur, January 2026 : Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh on Friday attended the 104th Foundation Day समारोह of the Bhupal Nobles’ Institute, run by the Vidya Pracharini Sabha, at the B.N. College ground in Udaipur as the chief guest. Addressing students and faculty, he stressed that education combined with self-reliance is the true foundation of a strong and empowered India, while education devoid of ethics serves no purpose for society.

Describing himself as a teacher at heart, Shri Singh said that individuals are remembered for their deeds. He shared that interacting with students gives him special joy and advised them to set clear goals in life and remain steadfast until they are achieved, without losing focus or courage.

Referring to universities as “institutions of institutions,” the Defence Minister described self-reliance as one of life’s greatest achievements. He said India is making determined efforts to become self-reliant and emphasized that only through education and आत्मनिर्भरता can a strong nation be built. He also explained the difference between self-respect and arrogance, cautioning students that self-respect should never turn into ego, as freedom from arrogance leads to true happiness.

Shri Singh paid tribute to Maharana Bhupal Singh of the former Mewar royal family, calling him a true patriot whose unwavering belief was “India First.” He said India today takes pride in its glorious past and rich cultural heritage, noting that the country has been a land of scholars and an ancient centre of a highly developed knowledge system.

Encouraging students to think big and avoid narrow-mindedness, he praised the New National Education Policy for promoting India’s cultural and intellectual legacy through a holistic approach. He underlined the highest respect accorded to teachers in Indian tradition and said the future of any nation is shaped in classrooms. While India’s universities are producing skilled human resources, he emphasized that knowledge must be accompanied by humility, character, values, and ethics, as education without morality is of no use to society.

Expressing concern over white-collar terrorism, he called for greater use of innovation and technology in education. He stressed lifelong learning and said research should ultimately bring practical change on the ground. Shri Singh expressed confidence that India would become fully self-reliant in defence production in the next 15–20 years and emerge as the world’s third-largest economy by 2030.

The programme also featured cultural performances by students and the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards. Several public representatives, dignitaries, faculty members, and a large number of students were present at the event.