Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], June 4 (ANI): Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday participated in the 12th convocation program of Graphic Era Deemed University in Dehradun and, while congratulating the students, said that India has the largest population of young, talented, and skilled individuals.

The Union Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations and emphasised that the day marked a testament to the students' hard work, dedication, and determination.

He stated that a degree is an academic milestone that also brings with it a sense of responsibility.

Addressing the students at the ceremony, Gadkari said, 'The country is home to the largest population of young, talented, and skilled individuals. He noted that Indian youth are admired globally and play a crucial role in the nation's wealth creation. Our focus should shift from seeking jobs to creating them,' he said, urging the youth to dream big and stay committed to achieving their goals.

Gadkari told students, 'Credibility, honesty, and the desire to do well will take you forward.'

Speaking about India's rapid infrastructure growth, Gadkari mentioned several achievements in the construction of bridges, tunnels, highways, and expressways in recent years.

He underlined the government's ongoing efforts in promoting green energy, calling hydrogen gas the 'fuel of the future.'

Gadkari shared that hydrogen is being produced from organic municipal waste--an economical and sustainable approach--and mentioned that he personally uses a hydrogen-powered vehicle.

The Union Minister also highlighted India's emerging status as a hub of youth, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

'Indian-origin CEOs heading top global firms reflect the nation's immense talent pool,' he said and stressed the need to focus on improving the country's Domestic Happiness Index.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami praised Gadkari as the 'Vishwakarma of modern India,' lauding his leadership in transforming the nation's infrastructure through expressways, green corridors, logistics hubs, and road networks. He called on the youth to use their knowledge and skills to build a developed India.

The Chief Minister emphasised that Uttarakhand is making strides in education and innovation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

'The state is implementing the New Education Policy and introducing advanced courses like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Big Data in universities and research institutes. Scientific research is being promoted by developing science centres in Dehradun, Haldwani, and Almora. The government's vision is to make the youth future-ready,' said CM Dhami.

He said that incubation centres have been established across the state to support innovation and entrepreneurship.

Highlighting efforts to ensure fairness in recruitment, CM Dhami noted that Uttarakhand has enacted the most stringent anti-cheating law in the country, which has led to the provision of over 23,000 government jobs to youth in the past three years.

In a post on X, Nitin Gadkari posted, 'Honoured to receive the Honorary Doctor of Science (http://D.Sc.) during the 12th Convocation Ceremony of Graphic Era Deemed University, Dehradun, in the presence of Uttarakhand Chief Minister @pushkardhamiJi, Education Minister @drdhansinghukJi, and the University's Chancellor and NITI Aayog Member, Dr VK Saraswat Ji.'

'This recognition reflects the journey I've undertaken in sustainable highway infrastructure, clean mobility, and digital innovation--not as a destination, but as a reminder to stay resolute in serving the nation with deeper purpose and quiet determination,' his post read.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the 12th convocation program of Graphic Era Deemed University and conferred PhD titles and degrees to the students. (ANI)