'A strong government does not control everything, everyone': PM Modi in Chennai

A strong government does not control everything or everyone and the BJP had changed the earlier notion of governance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Chennai on Friday.

Modi, who participated in the convocation 42nd of Anna University after an overnight stay in Chennai following the inauguration of the Chess Olympiad, said earlier, that there was a notion that a strong government meant it should control everything and everyone.

“We have changed this. A strong government does not control everything or everyone. It controls the system’s impulse to interfere,” he said.

“A strong government is not restrictive but responsive. A strong government does not move into every domain. It limits itself and makes space for people’s talents. A strong government’s strength lies in its humility to accept that it cannot know or do everything,” he said harping on the reforms undertaken by the BJP Government.

Modi told that some might say the students were graduating at a time of global uncertainty, but he felt they were graduating at a time of great opportunity.

He cited how following the COVID-19 outbreak, India faced the unknown confidently, thanks to its scientists, healthcare workers, professionals and common people.

“As a result, today, every sector in India is bursting with new life. Whether it is industry, innovation, investments or international trade, India is at the forefront. Our industry has risen to the occasion,” he said.

The Indian startups have received funding that has grown by 15,000% in the last six years. “Yes, you heard it right. It has grown by 15,000% from 2016,” he said.

Reforms being undertaken by his Government had worked and now there is trust in risk-takers, he added. The Prime Minister awarded degrees to the toppers.

Anna University was established on September 4, 1978. It is named after CN Annadurai, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. It has 13 Constituent Colleges, 494 Affiliated Colleges spread over Tamil Nadu and 3 Regional Campuses - Tirunelveli, Madurai and Coimbatore.