Government of India has introduced new ‘National Education Policy (NEP) - 2020’ with the vision of making Self-Reliant nation. India has ample opportunities to transform youth into self–sustainable citizens of the country. To ensure the economic revival, the idea of nurturing start-ups and promoting the entrepreneurial environment at university level is significantly important.

The whole world is looking to India for investment as a substitute to Chinese market and this is the opportunity for us to develop ‘Self-Reliant’ Indian economy. ‘Aatma-nirbhar Bharat’ or ‘Made in India’ concept is a well-defined way to boost national economy. The more we purchase goods and services from other countries, the more we become dependent on them and indirectly support the economy of other nations. If all universities of India undertake this appeal of Prime Minister to support domestic business and promote start-ups, India can achieve the goal of realizing US$5 trillion economy.

Today the world is going through an unexpected scenario and in such times the role of educated persons becomes even more important. Throughout the year, many of our teachers and students tried at every possible level to defeat the corona pandemic by developing various products and supported in building a self-reliant India. In view of the recent corona infection, the facility of RT -PCR test for all people is being provided by the GTU Atal Incubation Centre. Apart from this, GTU also organized free RTPCR Test at Mevad & Lekawada Village.

This year GTU celebrated online 14th Foundation Day in the august virtual presence of Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, Education Minister, Govt. of Gujarat and Shri Rambhai Mokariya, Honourable Member of Parliament, Government of India. 113 corona warriors were awarded with the certificate of appreciation who contributed significantly to fight with the pandemic. I express my heartfelt gratitude for the courage that Corona Warriors displayed in such a difficult situation and came forward to protect humanity in one way or the other.

If there are youths who serve others in the society, then surely that country will be able to face all kinds of crises properly and will be able to move positively towards self-reliance.I call upon the youth power that all of you should come forward and make every possible contribution to the development of India. In future also, I expect your cooperation so that Gujarat Technological University sets new records every day and the name of Gujarat and India should be written in golden letters on the global platform.

I am delighted to share that GTU got 5th Rank in ‘Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA) - 2020’ in category of Govt. and Govt. Aided Universities and also received prestigious QS I-GUAGE E-LEAD (E-Learning Excellence for Academic Digitization) certificate for preparedness of institute to conduct online teaching and learning.

GTU is going to conduct ‘Online Examination’ for final semester of UG programmes and all semesters of PG programmes with all security measures at various centres across the state and I extend my best wishes to all students for examination.

I urge all of you to remain safe and wish you healthy life.

Thank you.