Narendra Modi slams UPA Government’s food security programme

Pune: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Centre was under the impression that merely bringing in the Bill would lead to food reaching the needy.

Modi, who once again found himself in the eye of a storm over his recent “puppy” remarks in an interview to a news agency, interacted with students of Fergusson College where he had gone to inaugurate an amphitheatre.

Underlining that education plays a crucial role in a nation’s development, Modi said, “If we want to have a good education system, we should create good teachers, which has not been a priority.”

“Over 65 percent of our population is below 35 years of age. This tremendous youth power can be of use if there is someone to do the job,” he said.

Contrasting the Indian and US education systems, Modi said that in the US system, ways are found to nurture a person’s creativity.

Modi also spoke of the old gurukul system in India and how people from all over the world used to come to study at Indian education hubs like Nalanda. “Earlier, education was a man-making mission. Now, it has become a money making mission. Was this our tradition?” he asked.

“Even when our country was in slavery, our great leaders thought of the education system. Could we not do any thing after Independence?” he said.

“We want modernization, not westernization,” he said. Modi cited the example of South Korea and lauded the strides made by that country.

“South Korea also gained independence at the same time. It is the size of Gujarat. Now, in this short span, it is among the developed nations. Such a small country hosts Olympics. Through sports, it has established a position in the world,” he said.

“But in this country of 120 crore people, we auctioned the country in the Commonwealth Games. The CWG scam tarnished the image of the country. Is this the direction where we want to take the country?” he asked.

“When the government brings down the prestige of the country, then it becomes a matter of concern,” he said. “During Olympics, people often say that despite its huge size, we don’t get medals. Have we linked sports with our education system,” he said.

“If newly-recruited army jawans are given proper training, I am sure they will bring 5 to 10 medals,” Modi said.