'Hope his statue teaches devotion, love towards nation': PM Modi unveils Swami Vivekananda statue in JNU campus

Prime Minister Narendra Modu unveiled a statue of Swami Vivekananda at the JNU campus on Thursday, via video conferencing. 

At around 6:30 PM, Modi unveiled the life-size statue of Swami Vivekananda at the JNU campus on Thursday, via video conferencing.

The unveiling of the statue was preceded by a programme on Swami Vivekananda. 

"I expect that this statue will inspire everyone and fill them with that spirit to understand the basis of Swamiji's philosophy," Modi said at the unveiling ceremony.

"This statue should inspire the nation to progress with youth-led development. This is not just a statue but the symbol of ideas that was conveyed to the world. He travelled in the world with India's cultural wealth and glory," he added.

Speaking on Swami Vivekananda at the Michigan University, the PM said, "When we were oppressed during colonialism, Swami Vivekananda went to Michigan University in the earlier part of the last century and had said that even though this century is yours, next century will belong to India. It is our responsibility to realise this statement and vision."

"I hope his statue teaches everyone devotion and intense love towards the nation, which is the supreme message of Swamiji's life. May it inspire the country for the vision of oneness," added PM Modi.

"Swami Vivekananda wanted that education in the country should be such that it provides self-confidence to individuals and makes them Aatmanirbhar in every way. New National Education Policy is on the same line and has inclusion at its core," he added.

The height of the statue is 11.5 feet while its base is 3 feet. At one end of the administrative building of the Jawaharlal Nehru University, the statue of the first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru is installed.

The statue of Swami Vivekananda was installed about three hundred meters away from the statue of Jawaharlal Nehru. 

Modi on Thursday also stated that the thing that has harmed the democratic system of India is prioritising to one's own ideology over national interest.

"One thing that has harmed a lot to the democratic setup of our country is giving more priority to one's own ideology than the interest of nation...Our thinking should align with the interest of our nation and not be against it." He said.

Modi also emphasised that the new education policy will 'inculcate confidence, conviction and character' among the youth.

"New education policy will inculcate confidence, conviction and character among youth. NEP will ensure education to poorest of the poor. The new policy will ensure appropriate reforms when we will work honestly, and the onus lies on teachers," he said.

Ahead of unveiling of Swami Vivekananda`s statue at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), its Vice-Chancellor Jagadesh Kumar on Thursday expressed confidence that teachings of the spiritual leader will be followed by the students.

"We`re very happy that Swami Vivekananda`s statue will be inaugurated today by our Prime Minister and I`m very confident that teachings of Swami Ji will be followed by JNU and the University will remain an active partner in transforming our country into Atmanirbhar Bharat," said Kumar.

Earlier today, The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students` Union (JNUSU) wrote an open letter to Modi, asking why the Centre recommended the appointment of JNU Vice-Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar, accusing him of leaving no stone unturned in "destroying" the University.

"Why did your government recommend the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor who has left no stone unturned in destroying a university that produces Nobel laureates?" the Student`s Union stated in the letter on behalf of the JNU community.

 "We write to you in the knowledge that you are scheduled to be involved in an inauguration ceremony at Jawaharlal Nehru University. We are the elected representative body of students in the JNU campus and our election has been upheld by the Honourable Delhi High Court in its verdict dated September 17-09-19. It is a pity that the Vice-Chancellor appointed by your government fails to follow the same process of democracy and recognise us, by virtue of which you hold your constitutional post," JNUSU added.

(With agency inputs)