Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

Santiniketan, December 24

Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s vision is the essence of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission of his government for empowerment of India and the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday.

Addressing a function to mark the centenary celebrations of Visva-Bharati, the country’s oldest Central University, he extolled the pivotal role it played in India’s freedom movement and in furthering the cause of universal brotherhood. Visva-Bharati was declared a Central University and an Institution of National Importance by an Act of Parliament in 1951.

“Gurudev’s vision for

Visva-Bharati is the essence of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Atmanirbhar Bharat is the path to India’s development for the development of the world. It’s a campaign for India’s empowerment and prosperity, and through it, the prosperity of the word,” he told the gathering through video conferencing from New Delhi.

Mamata not invited, says TMC leader

The ruling TMC in Bengal on Thursday alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was not invited to the centenary celebrations of Visva-Bharati.

Addressing a press meet here, TMC leader Bratya Basu also claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi made “factual errors” in his speech.

He said Tagore and the institution he founded not only strengthened the spirit of nationalism but also promoted inclusiveness that strengthened “vishva bandhutva” (universital brotherhood).

The Prime Minister, who addressed the convocations and centenary celebrations of four universities within a span of little over two months, dwelt on the role played by educational institutions in driving the freedom movement. — PTI