The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today visited Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
He responded to questions during an interaction with students.
On a question on the challenges facing Asia in the 21st century, the Prime Minister noted that it is often said that the 21st century will be Asia’s century. It is essential to believe in ourselves and know that this is our turn, he added. We must rise to the occasion and take that leadership, the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister referred to his recent meeting with President Xi Jinping in China. He said that he gave a document to President Xi, which shows that out of the last 2000 years, India and China’s combined share of global GDP has exceeded 50 percent for 1600 years. Further, this was largely achieved without conflict, he said. The Prime Minister said that we must focus on boosting connectivity without conflict.
The Prime Minister said that space technology has a key role to play in good governance. It can vastly improve the life of the common man, he said. Space technology helps us in properly mapping our development infrastructure – be it in terms of where do we need more schools, better roads, added hospitals, the Prime Minister said.
Responding to a question on the balance between tradition and globalization, the Prime Minister said that mankind has progressed through the ages due to innovation and due to ethics as well as humanitarian values. He said technology is aiding human creativity. Various social media platforms have given voice to millions, he said.
Talking about ensuring inclusive growth in the age of the fourth industrial revolution, the Prime Minister said that disruption does not mean destruction. He said technology empowers people, and a technology driven society breaks social barriers. Technology has to be affordable and user-friendly, he added. He recalled that people were once apprehensive about computers, but computers helped transform our lives.
